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Estates-General is Reestablished
France's controller general of finances assembles nobles and representatives to discuss the France's budget deficit. He suggests taxing the privileged classes, but the assembly refuses to take responsibility for that reform. The assembly then suggest convening the Estates-General which has not met in over 100 years. This takes place in Paris. This is significant because it sows seeds to the rebellion. -
The First Meeting of the Estates-General
The Estates-General meets again after over 100 years at Versailles. It is composed of the First Estates (clergy), the Second estate (nobles), and the Third Estate (lower classes). They are immediately divided by the issue if they should do head counts or give each estate one vote. This takes place in Versailles. This is significant because tension that will lead to the rebellion is sparked yet again. -
The Collapse of the Estates-General
The Estates-General collapses when the Third Estate forms their own national assembly. They do this in order to obtain constitutional reform. This is a bold challenge against the king. This event takes place in France. This is significant because this is the event that starts the French Revolution. -
The Tennis Court Oath
Royals lock the National Assembly out of their regular meeting hall. Members of the assembly occupy the king's indoor tennis court. They take the tennis court oath, which states that they will not disperse until France is given a new constitution. This takes place in Versailles. This is significant because it is one of the first actions that is taken during the revolution. -
The Other Estates Join
King Louis XVI relents and urges the other two estates to join the National Assembly. The assembly then takes the name of the National Constituent Assembly. However, the king gathers troops with the intentions of dispersing the body. This takes place in France. This is significant because the Estates-General no more, and Louis XVI intends to retaliate. -
Storming of Bastille
Revolutionary hysteria spreads throughout Paris. This leads to fears of a military coup. Rebels storm the prison fortress of Bastille in retaliation. Paris falls from the control of the king. This event takes place in Paris. This is significant because it is the first attack of the revolution. -
The Massacre of Champ de Mars
Protesters gather at the Champ de Mars in Paris. While protesting the military opens fire. Many protesters and citizens pass away. This is significant because mistrust in the government swells up within the country. -
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The Rights of Man and of Citizen
The National Constituent Assembly issues the Declaration of the Rights off Man and of the Citizen. This document is influenced by the Declaration of Independence in the United States. The king refuses to sanction it, resulting in Parisians storming Versailles and taking the royal family back to Paris. This takes place in France. this is significant because an important document is introduced and the king is captured. -
Women's March on Versailles
The march began in the marketplaces of Paris. The women were outraged over the high price of bread. They marched into Versailles and demanded the prices to be fixed. This is significant because it is one of the earliest events during the revolution. -
The Guillotine is Invented.
Dr. Guillotin proposes a new scientific method of execution. This form of execution is painless and will end most forms of torturous execution. This form of execution will be used on many people for the years to come. This takes place in France. This is significant because it marks a huge advancement in the field of executions. -
The King tries to flee
Louis XVI attempts to flee France. He seeks refuge in Austria, but he is caught be rebel forces. He is arrested and brought back to Paris. This takes place in Varennes. This is significant because the king is now marked as a traitor. -
A Declaration of War
France declares war on Austria. French Revolutionary wars will take place for the next seven years. These wars will be between France and other European powers. This takes place in France. This is significant because France and Austria are now fighting each other which will lead to huge revolutionary movements. -
The September Massacres Begin
During these massacres many aristocrats and priests are murdered. Large amounts of prisoners are killed for crimes they likely did not commit. The massacres continue for 4 more days until they are put to rest. This takes place in France. This is significant because it is the first major atrocity in the French Revolution. -
The French Republic is Established
After a long period of debate over how the new constitution will work, the French Revolution takes a radical turn when the revolutionaries decide to arrest the king. One month later the national convention is established. This proclaimed the abolition of the monarchy and established the French republic. This takes place in Paris. This significant because it is the a huge change in the form of government. -
The King is Killed
After the French Republic is formed, the king is arrested and tried. The revolutionaries had him put on trial for treason. The king is found guilty and is executed as a traitor. This takes place in Paris. This is significant because the king of France is killed. -
Reign of Terror
France goes to war with many European powers after the king's death. This is the most violent phase of the revolution. Infighting within the national convention leads to the Montagnards taking power. This takes place in France. This is significant because it marks the start of a one year period where the people live in terror. -
Marie-Antoinette is Executed
Marie-Antoinette is executed by the guillotine. This takes place during the Reign of Terror. This is overseen by Maximillian Robespierre. This takes place in Paris. This is significant because the royal family is now dead. -
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The Reign of Terror Ends
Robespierre is overthrown in the National Convention. The very next day he is executed by the guillotine. The National Convention dissolves and makes way for a new government This takes place in Paris. This is significant because the Reign of Terror is finally over. -
The Directory Takes Power
The Directory takes power in France. The internal political circumstances remain unstable, but is silenced by the army. A young general, Napoleon Bonaparte, commands the army. Many success follow for a period of time. What is now Belgium is annexed, the Dutch Republic surrenders, and peace is made with Prussia and Spain. This takes place in France. This is significant because it marks a big turn in the revolution. -
The Era of Napoleon Begins
The Directory's four years in power is a failure. A big portion of power is ceded to the military to maintain order. Frustrations with leadership reaches an all time high. Napoleon stages a coup d'état, and abolishes the Directory while naming himself as the first consul of France. This takes place in France. This is significant because it marks the end of the revolution.