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Economic Crisis
France builds up enormous debt by participating in the Seven Years’ War and American Revolution.
France was nearing bankruptcy in 1776. -
King Louis XVI convened the Estates General
King Louis XVI convened the Estates General to address the fiscal crisis. He needed money and wanted to levy more taxes. -
The National Assembly
The third estate declared that Estates General would be National Assembly. Louis XVI shut down their meeting location so they took to tennis courts to meet. Then King Louis XVI said the Assembly void, but the members declared that they would not disband until they had written a new constitution for France. -
Storming of Bastille
Middle and Lower classes were angered by the crisis, and started many riots. The crowds stormed the Bastille prison to against the King. -
Women’s March on Versailles
Also known as the October March on Versailles. Thousands of Parisians marched 12 miles to Versailles because of the bread shortages across Paris. They wanted to petition the government to alleviate bread shortages. -
Attacks on Church
Assembly sold Church land to solve crisis. Priests became employees of the State. -
Flight to Varennes
King Louis XVI and his family unsuccessfully attempted to flee from Paris to Austrian border. Then he was recognized and arrested at Varennes. Eventually, he lost credibility as a constitutional monarch. -
The Civil Constitution of the Clergy was passed
The Civil Constitution was passed by the National Constituent Assembly. It was an attempt to reform the Catholic church in France and eliminating corruption within the church. -
The Legislative Assembly
The Legislative Assembly was the governing body of France between October 1791 and September 1792. It replaced the National Constituent Assembly. Louis XVI must share power with the elected assembly -
The National Convention
Universal elections held, common people got more votes.
The National Convention led to a much more radical assembly.
It also Abolished monarchy. -
September Massacres
French people were angry because of losses in their war.
Blamed prisoners of conspiracy and murdered 1000 ~ 1500 prisoners. -
Execution of King Louis XVI
King Louis XVI was condemned to death by 380 votes to 310. He was guillotined in the Place de la Révolution. Nine months later his wife met the same fate.
