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Meeting
This was a meeting with all the representatives from the three estates. It was called to discuss France's debt. It was the first meeting in 175 years. It is important because it signals the first in a long time that all of France was needed to solve a problem and not just the wealthy people. -
National Assembly
In June, France finally establishes a national assembly. It started giving power to more than one person or a monarch. The spread of power among people signaled a new change. It is important because it shows the end of monarchy and the start of a representative government for all of France so people can be heard. -
Night Before
One night, nobles got together and made speeches. They talked about how they support liberty and equality and they want to erase the powers of the first and second estates. They wanted to make it equal for the commoners. This is important as it shows a step towards equal rights between everyone and that those rights belongs to everyone regardless of status. -
Constitution
A new constitution had been created in order to limit monarchy. It was made to stop giving all power to a monarch. It created a Legislative branch or assembly that would create laws and allow or decline a declaration of war against countries. This was important because it showed France taking a step towards distributing power and not handing it all to one monarch and getting their rights abused again. -
National Convention
The people in charge of the National Convention made another plan for the government. They decided to put power on the upper middle class and wanted two legislative assemblies. They also wanted an executive assembly of five people. This is important because France is not having a monarchy anymore and are placing different roles in the hands of different people instead of all on one person. They are slowly changing their government. -
Napoleon becomes Consul
Napoleon becomes the first consul. Although it is back to being somewhat a monarchy, he plans a good tax collection method and slowly raised France’s economy. He also fired corrupt people from the government and set up schools that all males no matter what background would attend. This is important because it shows people getting their rights back to them as any male could go to school and corrupt officials would not abuse the people’s rights anymore. -
Napoleon becomes Emperor
Napoleon officially becomes Emperor. He was a really good king and helped restore order to France for 5 years. He conquered a lot of new places and grew the empire. He also helped France raise their financial situation. This is important because France is under a strong reign again where the people are happy and France is starting to prosper once more. -
Continental System
The Continental system was created so that France would not trade with Britain. It was in attempts to make France a self-sustaining nation. It failed however and was a waste of money. This was important as it starts to signal the downfall of France’s empire. -
Invasion into Russia
Napoleon invaded Russia with 420,000 soldiers. Russia couldn’t fight back because there were so many people but they lit grass on fire and killed livestock so France wouldn’t have any resources. France headed back in the winter due to lack of food and resources but only 10,000 soldiers returned due to the harsh winter and lack of resources. This is important because it was another mistake Napoleon made that weakened France even more making it not such a strong empire anymore. -
Napoleon Dies
After being exiled on a tiny island for around 6 years, Napoleon died due to stomach ailment. The new king was not as good as Napoleon and monarchy resumed once more. The years he ruled brought prosperity among France but now France was struggling once more. This is important as it signals the end of the great empire.
