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Excessive Spending and Poor Harvests Lead to Financial Crisis in France
Cause: Decades of mismanagement, wars (e.g., Seven Years’ War, American Revolution), and widespread famine.
Effect: Louis XVI called the Estates-General, triggering discussions that led to revolutionary change.
Significance: This financial crisis highlighted the flaws in the Ancien Régime and catalyzed the Revolution. -
King Louis XVI Calls the Estates-General
Cause: France’s fiscal crisis required approval for new taxes, so Louis XVI convened the Estates-General for the first time since 1614.
Effect: The Third Estate broke away, forming the National Assembly and claiming political authority.
Significance: Marked the start of efforts to reform France’s government structure. -
Tennis Court Oath
Cause: The Third Estate was locked out of their meeting hall and pledged to draft a new constitution.
Effect: The National Assembly gained momentum, uniting revolutionary forces.
Significance: Demonstrated the growing determination of commoners to challenge royal authority. -
Storming of the Bastille
Cause: Parisians feared a royal crackdown and sought weapons to defend themselves.
Effect: The fall of the Bastille symbolized the end of absolute monarchy and the power of the people.
Significance: Catalyzed further uprisings and secured the revolution’s momentum. -
The Great Fear in the Countryside
Cause: Rumors of aristocratic plots to suppress peasants led to widespread panic.
Effect: Peasants attacked nobles’ homes and demanded the abolition of feudal privileges.
Significance: Undermined feudal structures and encouraged legislative reforms. -
The National Assembly Adopts the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen
Cause: Enlightenment ideals inspired calls for equality, liberty, and justice.
Effect: This document became a foundation for democratic principles in France and worldwide.
Significance: Marked a philosophical shift in governance and individual rights. -
The Women's March on Versailles
Cause: Rising bread prices and famine drove women to demand action from the king.
Effect: Forced Louis XVI and his family to move to Paris under revolutionary control.
Significance: Demonstrated the power of popular protests in shaping revolutionary events. -
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Robespierre's Reign of Terror
Cause: Revolutionary leaders sought to eliminate enemies of the Republic and secure the revolution.
Effect: Thousands were executed, including Robespierre himself, ending the radical phase.
Significance: Showed the dangers of unchecked revolutionary zeal and led to more moderate rule. -
Napoleon’s Coup d’état, Overthrowing the Directory
Cause: The Directory’s corruption and inefficiency created discontent, enabling Napoleon to seize power.
Effect: Napoleon established himself as First Consul, consolidating his rule.
Significance: Ended the Revolution and began Napoleon’s era of dominance in France. -
Napoleon Declared Emperor
Cause: Napoleon sought to legitimize and consolidate his power.
Effect: His imperial ambitions sparked wars across Europe.
Significance: Marked the shift from republican ideals to authoritarian rule. -
Battle of Trafalgar
Cause: Napoleon’s naval ambitions clashed with Britain’s dominance.
Effect: Horatio Nelson’s victory secured British naval supremacy and blocked French invasion plans.
Significance: Cemented Britain as a dominant world power. -
The Continental System is Implemented
Cause: Napoleon sought to weaken Britain economically by prohibiting trade between Britain and continental Europe.
Effect: Strained relations with other European nations and encouraged smuggling.
Significance: Ultimately failed, weakening Napoleon’s influence in Europe. -
Napoleon is defeated in Russia
Cause: Napoleon’s invasion failed due to harsh winters, overextension, and scorched-earth tactics by the Russians.
Effect: The disastrous retreat crippled Napoleon’s army and led to his weakening in Europe.
Significance: Marked the beginning of the end for Napoleon’s empire. -
Napoleon is Defeated at Leipzig (Battle of the Nations)
Cause: European coalitions united against Napoleon after his failed Russian campaign.
Effect: Napoleon’s defeat forced his abdication and exile to Elba.
Significance: Demonstrated the growing strength of Napoleon’s enemies. -
Napoleon is Exiled to St. Helena
Cause: After his defeat at Waterloo, European powers exiled Napoleon to prevent further disruptions.
Effect: Marked the definitive end of the Napoleonic Era.
Significance: Ensured European stability and peace under the Congress of Vienna.