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First Meeting of Estates-General in 175 years
King Louis XVI imposed taxes on nobility to save himslef from poverty, but the Second Estate forces him to call a meeting of the Estates-General; the first meeting in 175 years is held in Versailles. -
The National Assembly is Established
The Estates-General votes to establish the National Assembly, proclaiming the end of absolute monarchy and the beginning of a representative government. This is the first deliberate act of Revolution. -
The Storming of Bastille
People in Paris are terrified of the rumours they hear, and decide to defend the city against any attackers. A mob searching for gunpowder and arms storms the Bastille, a Paris prison. -
The Fall of the Old Regime
Noblemen made grand speeches, declaring their love of liberty and equality. They joined the National Assembly in sweeping away the privileges of the First and Second Estate, making the Old Regime dead. -
The Creation of the Decleration of the Rights of Man
The Declaration of the Rights of Man is created by the National Assembly overnight. This made each Estate equal, giving citizens rights, equal justice, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. -
The Woman's March on Versailles
Thousands of Parisian women riot over the rising price of bread. They march on Versailles, demanding the National Assembly take action to provide bread. They then demand Louis and Marie Antoniette return to Paris, but the royals leave Versailles anyway. -
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The Controlling of the Church
The National Assembly takes over the Church's lands and declares that Church officials and priests are to be elected and paid as state officials. These actions alarm many peasants, and from this time on many people oppose the assembly's reforms. -
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The Royal Family Tries to Escape
Out of fear, the Royal Family tries to escape from France to the Austrian Netherlands, however, they are apprehended and returned to Paris under guard. -
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The New Constitution Established
The National Assembly completes the new constitution, creating a limited constitutional monarchy. It also created the Legislative Assembly, which has the power to make laws and declare war. -
War is Declared on Austria and Prussia
Austria and Prussia urge France to restor Louis XVI as absolute monarch. The Legislative Assembly responds by declaring war on Austria and Prussia. -
The National Convention Takes Office
The constitution on 1791 is set aside, deposing the king, dissolving the Legislative Assemby, and calling the election for a new legislature.The National Convention (the new governing body) takes office, abolishing the monarchy and declaring France a republic.
