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Storming of the Bastille
The prison in Paris, known as Bastille, held only seven inmates. That morning in July, a group of about one thousand people gathered many arms and crowded outside the fortress. Two people were brought inside for negotiations. The crowd was getting impatient and broke into the prison's courtyard and starting firing and attacking. The mob liberated the entire fortress. This event started the revolution and urged others to take a stand for changing their country. -
The Constituent National Assembly
King Louis XVI travels to the city hall of Paris. Designing the new constitution will begin on this day, hoping to revolutionize France. -
The Women's March On Versailles
A huge crowd of Parisians, led by mostly women, force the royal family back to Paris.This showed that the peasants were willing to be as forceful as needed to have an impact. -
Flight to Varennes
The royal family attempted to flee Paris to Northern France and organize a counter-revolution. They only made it to Varennes when they were caught and brought back to Paris, where they were put under house arresst. This caused even more hostility towards monarchy. -
The Massacre of the Champ-de-Mars
Debates over France being a constitutional monarchy or a republic rage the country. Groups gather around the Alter of the Nation, which stands at Champ de Mars. They demand for a republic to be established. Marquis de Lafayette tells his troops to fire on the crowd. After this, people fear that the revolution will be crushed. -
End of Constituent National Assembly
The Constitution of 1791 is now in place and Louis XVI has restored his power. This legalized a constitutional monarchy and gave the king power to veto. Also provided were limited franchise for people who paid certain amounts of taxes, and 50,000 chosen citizens could elect specific representatives. -
Invasion of the Tuileries
A large crowd invades the Tulieries and demand return of Jacobin ministers. The royal family was protected elsewhere. This was an end to monarchy for the time being. -
The September Massacres
Over this period of five days, it's rumored that the revolution is collapsing. About half of the prisoners in Paris have been executed, causing lots of fear and violence to come. -
End of Legislative Assembly
The French Army defeats the Prussians, and the constitutional monarchy is officially over.
"On this day begins a new era in the history of the world."
-Goethe, witness of the battle. -
The Convention
The Convention is very important to the French and their government. They created new principles and laws and were a huge part of revolutionizing France. The Convention abolishes monarchy and makes France a republic. It also makes talk about another new constitution. -
Trial of Louis XVI
Louis XVI is tried and found guilty of conspiring against the nation. He is guillotined. -
Period: to
Reign of Terror
This was a period of violence between political groups. Mass executions occured with thousands of deaths involved, and the guillotine being the main weapon. Many aristocrats and mostly peasants were killed during this time. -
Constitution of 1793
Right to work, right to education, extension of franchise, and right of the people to revolt against governent that fails to respect rights of people were included in this document. It wouldn't be passed yet but was an extraordinary start. -
Marie - Antoinette
Marie - Antoinette is guillotined. -
The Constitution of the Year III
The Constitution of the Year III, originally written in 1793 is now approved and modified. This new declaration consists of rights of citizens, voting priveleges to those who pay taxes, and different ways to make laws and pass them. This document ends the revolution and remains in effect for four more years. -
Napolean's Rise to Power
Napolean is named commander-in-chief of all armies in France. This will lead to him being named commander-in-chief of French armies in Italy, and he launches campaigns in other countries. From then on, he becomes very popular and helpful. -
Constitution of the Year VIII
This Constitution is proclaimed; it will be the last of the revolution. It's preface reads, "Citizens, the Revolution is established upon its founding principles: the Revolution is over." That officially ends the French Revolution. It gave Napolean powers similar to those of a dictator.
