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National Assembly
The National Assembly was the 1st Estate (clergy), 2nd Estate (nobility) and 3rd Estate (commoners). The Third Estate had been granted "double representation"—that is, twice as many delegates as each of the other estates, however they counted votes by power, not by heads. This Assembly was gathered to deal with the financial situation. I think this event is important because it got rid of privileges of first and second estates, making commoners equal to the nobles and the clergy. -
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Important French Revolution Envents
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Tennis Court Oath
The Third Estate gathered at a tennis court, because they were locked out of their room at the National Assembly. They were gathered together because they wanted to be heard. The French citizens were facing a famine and were very poor. They saw no end to this economic situation, nor the lack of say in the government. At this gathering they demanded rights from the king. I think that this event was important because it was the beginning of the movement against the Monarchy. -
The French Revolution begins
The French revolution begins with the storming of the Bastille. This began the movement of the French people's fight for their rights and removing power from the king. Storming of Bastille was the first show of power from the commoners. I think this event is important because it was the beginning of the commoner's movement. -
Declaration of Rights
The National Assembly adopts the Declaration of Rights of man and of the citizens. This declaration revoked the privileges of the monarch, the clergy and the noble. The 17 articles of the declaration later became the platform for the French constitution. I think this was an important event because it gave rights to all citizens. -
Women's March on Versailles
A hungry mob of nearly 7,000, largely working-class women, taking with them weapons, march from Paris to Versailles to demand lower bread prices. Rumor had it, the royals were hoarding all the grain. They force the king and queen to move out of palace and back to Paris. I think this event is important because it was the a women's movement. -
New Constitution
Under duress, King Louis XVl formally signs the new constitution. This constitution replaces the absolute monarchy. An assembly was created to make laws, collect taxes, and decide on affairs concerning war. I think this event was significant because it started equality and rights for all citizens. -
French Republic
The First Republic begun September 21, 1792 and lasted until 1804. During this time France saw the fall of the monarchy, the establishment of the National Convention and the Reign of Terror, the Thermidorian Reaction and the founding of the Directory, and then Napoleon's rise to power. I think this event was important because it was the start of the citizens having some say in the direction of their country. -
King Louis XVl Executed
As King Louis and his family were trying to escape, he was found and captured by a mob. The people looked at this as a betrayal of the country and had Louis put on trial. He was found guilty and was executed by guillotine. His head was later paraded around the city. I think this is important, as this was the true change in power. -
The Reign of Terror
This period occurred between 1793 and 1794. France was coming together, but people didn't like how the revolution was being executed. Some citizens objected the bloody and violent acts that were occurring. With this unrest in France, leaders started a change that became known as the Reign of Terror. The constitution was revoked and anyone who was against the revolution was targeted. This was significant because the citizens were starting to take control but they lost control. -
End of French Revolution
Napolean's military career was impressive and he became known in France as a hero. He then became a political leader, and installed a Coup d'Etat. Napoleon overthrew the Directory and establishes the French Consulate with Napoleon as leader of France. This brings an end to the French Revolution. I find this significant because it is the end of the revolution and the end of the first republic.
