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Meeting of the Estates-General
An assembly of representatives from all three estates in France to approve taxes being applied to nobility. -
Storming of the Bastille
In Paris, France, a mob looking for weapons attacked the Bastille (a prison). They took control of the building and because of this, this date is known as a start of the revolution. -
The Rights of Man
The National Assembly started using the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. These rights included John Locke's 'Natural Rights'. However, they only applied to some people, not everyone. -
Women's March on Versailles
Parisian women were mad over the fact that the bread had become more expensive. They marched on Versailles demanding the National Assembly to take action and then into the castle, forcing the king and queen to return to Paris. Agreeing made the government seem vulnerable and people saw it could change. -
Imprisonment of the Royal Family
About 20,000 Parisians invaded the palace where the royal family was staying and they imprisoned the king, queen, and their children. After this, some citizens tried to control the law. -
Abolishing of the Monarchy
The Legislative Assembly set aside the Constitution and declared the king deposed. Because of this, there was an election of a new legislature and France was eventually declared as a republic. Despite this, women couldn't vote -
Execution of King Louis XVI
The ex-king of France was beheaded at the guillotine after the National Convention voted him to be guilty. -
Reign of Terror
Robespierre became the leader of the Committee of Public Safety. He ruled France as a dictator. This is why this period is known as the 'Reign of Terror'. -
Robespierre's Death
The radical phase of the French Revolution ended after some members of the National Convention demanded Robespierre's arrest and execution. -
Bonaparte Gets Power
The National Convention drafted a new plan of government. It placed power in the middle class and the legislature and executive made up the 'Directory'. They also found a new commander for the army: Napoleon Bonaparte.
