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King Louis XVI calls the Estates General
For the first time since 1614, Louis XVI called the Estates General to meet due to France's financial problems. Many blamed Louis XVI's poor leadership and extravagant lifestyle for these money issues. This is significant because it is what caused the Tennis Court Oath to happen later in the year, pushing on the efforts of the Revolution. -
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French Revolution
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The Tennis Court Oath
The members of the Third Estate in France were prevented from entering their meeting hall at Versailles, so they gathered at a nearby tennis court and took and oath to not separate until a new Constitution had been written for France. This was important because it was one of the first times there was a real stance against the monarchy, and it ultimately worked as they were invited to rejoin and meet with nobility. -
The Great Fear in the Countryside
Due to rumors about an "aristocratic conspiracy" where the King was trying to abolish the Third Estate (the one that represented a majority of people), people in the countryside panicked. As troops gathered in Paris to quell any uprisings, the peasants revolted against their lords and destroyed documents and property. This was an early uprising that was organized, making it significant in the French Revolution. -
The Storming of the Bastille
The Bastille was a political prison and fortress that many people believe exemplified the dictator-like power of the monarchy, so an angry mob attacked it and took control. This attack signified the beginning of the French Revolution. -
First and Second Estates join the Third Estate in the newly formed National Assembly
When the monarchy refused to acknowledge or support the Third Estate, they began meeting on their own (Tennis Court Oath). When they were able to successfully create a constitution, the monarchy had no choice but force all the estates to join the National Assembly (formed by the Third Estate). This was important because it unified the estates creating a powerful force of government besides the monarch himself. -
The National Assembly adopts the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen
These articles, eventually used as a preamble to the Constitution of 1793, basically stated that all men were born and remain free and equal in rights. This was important because it was a real step towards democracy and was modeled after the United States, a true example of democracy during this time. -
The Constitution of 1791 sets up a constitutional monarchy in France
The Constitution of 1791 limited the King's power and established a constitutional monarchy. The King still had ultimate power, but it allowed more people to have a say in the government. This is significant because it was France's first attempt at a written constitution. -
Louis XVI is executed at the guillotine
After being convicted of high treason, Louis XVI was sentenced to death by a simple majority by the National Convention. His death signified the end of the absolute monarchy in France and a leap towards the democracy the people so desperately wanted. -
Robespierre's Reign of Terror
The Committee of Public Safety took almost complete control of the French government. They created Law of 22 Prairial, year II (June 10, 1794) which took away people's right to a trial, legal assistance, and limited the jury's choices to death or acquittal. This led to the executions of many people, causing great fear in the people. This is significant because it showed the people how little the government cared for them and made their will to fight even stronger. -
The Directory is installed
In response to the Reign on Terror, the Directory, composed of many representatives and 5 directors, was established. This was meant to distribute power between more individuals to prevent future abuses of power. This failed, but was an important step towards creating and establishing a democracy or republic.
