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Meeting of Estates
After the war, France's economy was very poor. Most of the nation's wealth had been spent. For this cause, the King called this meeting to discuss a new tax plan. The Estates hadn't had a meeting in over 170 years. -
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French Revolution
The third estate (common people) of France were angry with the King, nobles, and clergy. They decided they wouldn't take it any more so they started a revolution. They created a new government and executed people who opposed. -
The Tennis Court Oath
Hundreds of members of the third estate gathered in an indoor tennis court on this day. They swore the Tennis Court Oath, pledging not to leave until the new constitution was written. -
Storming of the Bastille
On this day, now known as Bastille Day, citizens stormed the Bastille (a fort converted into a prison). They also slaughtered the fort's governor and his guards. -
Declaration of the Rights
The Declaration of Rights of the Man and of the Citizen, was a formal document made by the National Assembly. It was created to remind the social body of their rights and responsibilities. -
King Louis XVI Attempts to Escape
Citizens of Paris were threatening to attack King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette. The King and his wife attempted to escape from Paris disquised as servants. When they were caught they were imprisoned. -
War Against Austria
Worried that Austria might rethrone King Louis XVI, the French went to war to defend themselves. To their suprise Austria got help from Prussia. -
Guillotine of King Louis XVI
The already imprisoned King Louis XVI and Marie were charged for high treason. He was killed by the newly invented guillotine. -
Reign of Terror Begins
This phrase is directed toward any who were against the new revolutionary government. These people were referred to as the "enemies of the nation." -
Robespierre is Guillotined
The National Convention had arrested Robespierre the day before( July 27, 1794). The guillotine was used to behead him in front of Harmony Square. -
New Constitution
The New Constitution stated that France be a liberal republic. This constitution was an improvement of previous drafts. -
"First Consul"
Napoleon became the first consul shortly after the French Revolution. He overthrew the Directory to restore peace in France. -
The New Emperor
Napolean Bonaparte took control from the Pope and crowned himself emperor of France. He re-instated the hereditary monarchy.
