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The End of the American Revolution
After aiding the United States in the American Revolution, France is put into one billion livres of debt. This put the country on the verge of bankruptcy and in response, Charles Alexandre proposed a meeting with the Estates-General to fix the financial problems. -
The Estates General Meets
In response to the failing economy of France, the Estates-General is called to meet. This organization is made up of nobles, clergy, and common folk. The common folk get upset about their poor representation, so they make their own organization called the national assembly. -
The Bastille is Stormed
In response to Louis XVI placing troops in Paris, the National Assembly took it as a threat and stormed the Bastille. They also did this in hopes to find ammo and freeing prisoners inside. -
Tennis Court Oath
Because Louis XVI prohibited the National Assembly from meeting together, they secretly met in a tennis court to start an oath. This oath was that they would not separate and would come together as much as they needed until a new constitution was created. -
The Ancien Regime is Abolished
Following the storming of the Bastille, the National Assembly works to reform all aspects of the French political and social systems. This included the Ancien Regime which was the social system of France in the shape of a pyramid. -
Declaration of Rights of Man
The Declaration of the Rights of Man was written by Marquis de Lafayette and said that all "men are born and remain free and equal in rights". This was used as a reform against the previous Monarchical system of France. This was the constitution that the National Assembly was seeking. -
Women’s March
In response to the high price and scarcity of bread in the market, women marched in Versailles where the King and Queen lived. Rumors were spread that Marie Antoinette was hoarding grain, so this also contributed to the cause of the march. -
Louis XVI Invades Austria
Fearful that he might be overthrown by his people, Louis XVI decides to invade Austria. He hopes to find resources and food to give to his people, so that he may gain trust back from his people. -
The French King is Killed
Unwilling to cede his throne to the revolutionary government, and for working with foreign powers in hopes to keep his position, Louis XVI is found guilty of treason. As a result, he is executed via Guillotine. -
Napoleon Becomes the First Consul
Napoleon worked with an alliance of political figures to overthrow the Directory by a Coup d'etat. He established the Napoleonic code, which granted equality, religious toleration, and abolished feudalism.