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Third Estate votes to establish the National Assembly
The Third Estate votes to establish the National Assembly, in effect proclaiming the end of absolute monarchy and the beginning of representative government. This was the first deliberate act of revolution. As stated before, this was important because it was the end of absolute monarchy in France and was the first deliberate act of revolution, thus beginning the revolution. (Ch. 23, sec 1.3) -
The Tennis Court Oath
The National Assembly is forced to meet in a tennis court after finding themselves locked out of their meeting place. There, they made the famous "Tennis Court Oath" in which they all agreed to not disband until a new French constitution was been adopted. This was important because it established a governing body for the people during the revolution. (Ch. 23, sec 1.3; https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/third-estate-makes-tennis-court-oath) -
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Declaration of Rights of Man and of the Citizen
17 articles of the Declaration of Rights of Man and of the Citizen were adopted by the national assembly. These rights included: "all men are born and remain free and equal in rights," the rights of liberty, private property, the inviolability of the person, resistance to oppression, all citizens are equal before the law and were allowed to participate in legislation, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, etc. This was important because it outlined the rights of all French citizens. -
Creation of the Legislative Assembly
The Legislative Assembly was created. They had the power to create laws and to approve or reject declarations of war. However, it is important to remember that at this time, the king still had executive right to enforce laws. This was important because it was another form of government that the people had the ability to influence. (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Legislative-Assembly-France-1791-1792) -
The Invasion of Tuileries
20,000 people invaded the palace where the royal family was staying in (the Tuileries). These people massacred the place guards, and imprisoned King Louis, Marie Antoinette, and their children were imprisoned. This was important because this was when the monarchy had absolutely no power left. -
National Convention Is In Power
The French National Convention takes office. The monarchy is abolished and France is declared a republic. Male citizens were given the right to vote and hold office. This was important because it was the end of the monarchy in France. -
Robespierre Becomes Leader of Public Safety
Robespierre becomes leader of the public safety committee. For the next year, he governed France virtually as a dictator. This period is commonly referred to as the "Reign of Terror." -
Robespierre Rises to Power
In the early months of 1793, the Jacobin leader, Maximilien Robespierre gained power and set to build a "republic of virtue." He changed the calendar by dividing the year into 12 months (which were renamed), each with 30 days, and there were no Sundays, as radicals considered religion old-fashioned and dangerous. All churches in Paris became part of the state. -
King Louis XVI's Execution
King Louis XVI is executed via guillotine. It was reported that he was calm through the entire event. This was important because while the monarchy was already abolished, this was the last king of France to have ruled and his execution. -
Robespierre's Execution
In July 1794, the National Convention realized the danger Robespierre was to France, and decided to turn on him before he could turn on them. The Reign of Terror ends. Robespierre was executed via guillotine. This is important because this marks a period of peace in France as Napoleon rises to power.