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The French Revolution
*Note dates are not approximate, but years are. -
Meeting of The Estates
At the meeting of the Estates General, in the Palace of Versallies, the Third Estate complained that they represented most of the nation's population, and should have more influence. From this, the Third Estate broke away and called themselves the "National Assembly," to challenge the king and other authorities. -
National Constituent Assembly
On July 9, 1789 the National Assembly held a meeting, known as the National Constituent Assembly, to create a constitution for France. -
The Storming of Bastille
A mob of Parisian citizens rampaged through the Invalides stealing about 28,000 rifles without gunpowder. To gain gunpowder they stormed the Bastille prison killing the few guards there and beheading the governer of the prision, Marquis de Launay. Later that night, 800 men came and began to destory Bastille. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
On August 26th, 1789, the National Assembly joined together to vote on a declaraction that described the rights of all the people, no matter their estate. Later the National Assembly forced the king, Louis XVI, to sign the declaraction making it offical. -
The Women of Paris Invade Versailles
On October 5th, 1789, the women of Paris became fed up with the high prices of bread and took action. This lead to the marching of female Parisians, with weapons, all the way to Versailles demanding to see King Louis XVI and bring him back to Paris. -
King Louis XVI's Great Escape
June 20th, 1791 King Louis XVI, Queen Marie Antoinette, and others of the royal family try to flee the country of France. This attempted failed near the Austrian boarder and at once they are taken back to Paris. -
France Declares War on Austria
April 20th, 1792 France declares war on Austria. France had the idea to spread revolutionary ideas to other European countries. -
King Louis XVI's Execution
King Louis XVI was sentanced to an execution by the National Assembly. His execution was held on January 21, 1793 ,and was executed with the guillotine. -
The Reign of Terror
France's "head" at the time, Maximilien de Robespierre was concerned about the public safety of France. This concern lead to the Reign of Terror, during which: 300,000 possible suspects were arrested, 17,000 people were offically executed, and many died in prison without being trialed yet. The "Reign of Terror" lasted from 1793 to 1794. -
Robespierre's Execution
Later, in 1794, Robespierre was declared an outlaw to France and was soon seized by soldiers in order to be executed. Robespieree and his close followers were all executed on the guillotine. This lead an end to the "Reign of Terror." -
Overthrow of the Directory
Novemeber 9th and 10th, 1799 the Directory of France was overthrown by General Napoleon Bonaparte. This lead to the end of the French Revolution. From there General Napolenon Bonaparte became the "head" of france, soon reigning as emperor.
