The French Revolution and the Napoleonic era

  • BEGINNING OF THE ESTATES GENERAL

    BEGINNING OF THE ESTATES GENERAL
    King Louis XVI called the Estates General to solve France’s financial problems. It led to demands for change.
  • STORMING OF THE BASTILLE

    STORMING OF THE BASTILLE
    The French Revolution began when people attacked the Bastille prison. It symbolized freedom from the king’s power.
  • DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF MAN AND THE CITIZEN

    DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF MAN AND THE CITIZEN
    A document that stated all men are born free and have equal rights
  • DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF WOMAN AND THE CITIZEN

    DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF WOMAN AND THE CITIZEN
    Written by Olympe de Gouges, it demanded equality and rights for women
  • EXECUTION OF LOUIS XVITH

    EXECUTION OF LOUIS XVITH
    King Louis XVI was executed by guillotine for treason
  • COUP DÉTAT OF THERMIDOR

    COUP DÉTAT OF THERMIDOR
    Robespierre was arrested and executed, ending the Reign of Terror
  • THE TERROR

    THE TERROR
    A period of violence when many people were executed for being enemies of the revolution.
  • THE DIRECTORY

    THE DIRECTORY
    A weak government ruled France after the Terror. It was replaced by Napoleon’s rule
  • COUP DÉTAT OF BRUMAIRE

    COUP DÉTAT OF BRUMAIRE
    Napoleon took power, ending the French Revolution and starting the Consulate
  • THE CONSULATE

    THE CONSULATE
    Napoleon became First Consul and centralized power in France
  • DEATH OF NAPOLEON

    DEATH OF NAPOLEON
    Napoleon died on St. Helena, likely from stomach cancer
  • BATTLE OF AUSTERLITZ

    BATTLE OF AUSTERLITZ
    Napoleon’s army won a major victory against Austria and Russia
  • THE EMPIRE

    THE EMPIRE
    Napoleon declared himself Emperor and ruled a large European empire
  • EXILE IN ELBA

    EXILE IN ELBA
    After losing power, Napoleon was exiled to Elba, but he escaped later
  • BATTLE OF WATERLOO

    BATTLE OF WATERLOO
    Napoleon was defeated by British and Prussian forces, ending his rule
  • EXILE IN ST. HELENA

    EXILE IN ST. HELENA
    Napoleon was sent to the island of St. Helena, where he spent the rest of his life