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Tennis Court Oath
King Louis XVI assured the people of France that he would create positive reforms for the country, but this did not happen. As the First and Second Estates would not do anything proactive, the Third Estate declared themselves as the National Assembly and went to meet in a room in the Palace of Versailles. The King locks them out, so the Third Estate gathers in an indoor tennis court instead. In this tennis court, the Estate promises to create a new constitution for France. -
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The French Revolution
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Bastille Riot
The Bastille was a large prison that was, at the time, mainly filled with those who spoke against the King - thus, making the prison a symbol of how corrupt the government was. On July 14, 1789, many commoners stormed the prison as they were seeking to gather weapons and ammunition. In the end, the rioters paraded around the streets with Governor de Launay's head. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
This was the Declaration that the National Assembly approved. It emphasized liberty, equality and fraternity. This document was the basis of the revolution and it gave many rights to the men of France. -
Women's March
This was a march of seven thousand women armed with various weapons to the Palace of Versailles. The purpose of the march was to demand bread as many families were starving. The mob of women ended up advancing to Marie Antoinette's bedroom. -
Declaration of Pillnitz
The Declaration of Pillnitz was issued by the King of Prussia and Emperor of Austria, Leopold II of Austria (who was Marie Antoinette's brother). This was a declaration to the French that both Prussia and Austria would help restore the King's power if needed. -
National Convention's Vote
A day before, the Legislative Assembly of France becomes the National Convention. September 21 was the day of their first meeting and the members voted unanimously to end the monarchy. -
Trial of the King
King Louis XVI was charged with thirty-three offenses, most importantly high treason. He was found guilty on December 14 and sentenced to death. -
King's Execution
On this day, King Louis XVI was publicly executed by the guillotine. This marked the end of the Bourbon Dynasty. -
Marie Antoinette's Execution
On this day, Louis XVI's wife, Marie Antoinette, was executed publicly by the guillotine. She was executed in order to ensure that the Bourbon Dynasty would not be able to be continued by anyone claiming to be the heir. -
Constitution of 1795
This Constitution was a response to the Reign of Terror. It set up a five man directory and bicameral assembly for France.
