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Louis the XIV Calls the Estates General
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Parisians Storm the Bastille
The Bastille was stormed because it had became a symbol of the monarchy's dictatorial rule, which was detested by the peasants. The peasants were overworked and underpayed/fed, due to the Monarchy's policy/class system policies. This event was so important because it was a catalyst for the Revolution that followed, in France! -
Writing of the Declaration of the Rights of Men
The Declaration of Man was essentially a document stating that all men were created equally. It ensured, using John Locke's policies, that life, liberty, and property (inalienable rights) were always protected! -
Establishment of the New Constitution
The New Constitution retained the monarchy, but added a legislative system of voting. Only “active” citizens who paid a minimal sum in taxes, which about 2/3 of adult men, had the right to vote for electors, kind of like our electoral votes, and to choose some local officials directly. It was only in effect for a short year! (Courtesy of Britannica...https://www.britannica.com/topic/Constitution-of-1791-French-history) -
Execution of the King and Queen / Beginning of the Reign of Terror
The King and Queen were executed, on charges for high treason, following their attempted escape from their mansion. This didn;t come as a shock however it did lead to the "reign of terror" (in which hundreds were killed via guillotine). According to "Historywiz.com", The Terror was designed to fight the enemies of the revolution, to prevent counter-revolution from gaining ground.". Its victims included everybody ( Marie Antoinette, aristocrats, and even peasant people). France was volatile. -
Napoleon Builds an Empire
Napoleon conquered most of Western Europe (Belgium, Holland, much of Italy, Austria, much of Germany, Poland and Spain). His main tactic was offense ("because with a good offense there is no need for defense"), and it worked well considering that his empire was around 332,048 square miles! He commanded (with help of course) and was brutal/ruthless in all his battles. He only cared about winning! -
Napoleon Overthrows the Directory
As, "historycentral.com" states, "Bonarparte overthrew the failing French Directory.". He essentially arrived unannounced from Egypt and took over, with the help of Sieyes, Roger-Ducos, and his brother Lucien. He became the first consul after this! This was not difficult to Bonaparte, however, considering that he was a calculating (almost manipulative) general that was good at offensive strategy! -
Napoleon Invades Russia
Napoleons invasion of Russia was infamous. During this failed attempt he lost at least 97% of his army (450k+ to a mere 10k), due to Russia's brutally cold winter (and of course the armies lack of food as well). This was the beginning of the End of Napoleons rule because it caused his empire to have a weak defense. He was eventually attacked by seemingly every nation, to his west, when his army was fresh out of Russia, of course, causing him to lose. This event took down his stable empire. -
The Congress of Vienna Meets
According to, "Historytoday.com" this was basically an attempt for all the European nations to come to a concert after Napoleons defeat. They dealt with territorial issues and came up with a solution for the new configuration of German states, the reorganization of central Europe, the borders of central Italy, and the territorial transfers occuring in Scandinavia! These meetings were essential. -
Napoleon Defeated at Waterloo
Napoleon's final defeat was caused by lack of support from allies, a rushed attack sequence, and a lack of strength (in numbers and in the troops themselves). The battle left Napoleon’s army in shambles, now making it possible for the British and Prussians to invade France, which was extremely defenseless!
