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The Bastille is Stormed
The people of France rose up and laid seige on the prison. The main reason for the attack was for the gun powder. -
"Feudalism is abolished!"
This was the announcement that was made at 2 AM on the fourth of August in 1789, after an all night meeting. At this meeting, nobles agreed to give up their privilages, including exemption from taxes. -
The Consitution of 1791 is Written
The National Assembly had a big role in the organization of France when the revolution was in its early stages. One of it's most important achievements was creating a Constitution for France in 1791. This constitution set up a limited monarchy and a Legislative Assembly to make laws. -
King Louis XVI is executed
After years of discontent, the people of France took action at last by executing King Louis XVI. He was put through a hasty trial and guillotined for treason. -
The First Year of the Secular Calendar
When the National Convention came to power in France, it tried to remove Christianity from society. The measures they took included making a whole new secular calendar, where the first year was 1793--the year that the Convention believed was the first year of French freedom. -
A Call to War is Issued
The Committe of Public Safety was created to deal with threats to France. In 1793, the Committee issued a mass levy that forced all Frenchmen to be in "permanent requisition for the service of the armies." Men would fight and women and children would make neccessary supplies. -
The Reign of Terror Begins
Robespierre officially announced the Reign of Terror on September 5, thus beginning one of the bloodiest years in French history. -
Robespierre is Guillotined
After demanding the blood of thousands of Frenchmen, the great Robespierre himself, the "incorruptable" was executed by his preferred weapon: the guillotine. -
The Directory is Set Up
A five-man Directory was set up by moderates following the Reign of Terror. Unfortunately, it had little success and a lot of discontent because of rising bread prices and a revival of royalist feelings. -
Napoleon Overthrows the Directory
In 1799, Napoleon turned his military success to political power when he overthrew the five-man Directory and created in its place a three-man Consulate. The Consulate made yet another constitution. -
Napoleon: Consul for Life
Napoleon increased his power in France quickly. Just after the Consulate was created, Napoleon made himself First Consul. Then, in 1802, he became consul for life. -
Napoleon is Crowned Emperor
Napoleon was crowned Emperor of the French in 1804 and immediately hit success. The French people, eager for stability, supported Napoleon as he tried to reorganize the government.
