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Period: to
French Revolution
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The formation of the Jacobin Club
The most influential political club during the Revolution. It was founded by the anti-Royalists deputies. It grew to be nationwide, having half a million members. Its formation is important because it explains how the rebels were organized. -
King Louis XVI officially signed the new constitution
This remade France's government, limiting the powers of the government. There was much debate over how it would work, how much power the king would have and subsequent issues. Eventually, the government would have a similar system to the USA, were the king has a veto power that can be overridden. This is important because it shows the way the monarchy was willing to end the fighting. -
The Legislature Assembly was formed
As part of the new constitution, the assembly was formed. Its purpose was to politically debate on issues in France and make laws for the revolution. It was the way of taking away power from the king. It's important because it marked a new way France worked. -
The Guillotine becomes the official method for execution
The guillotine was very connected with the French Revolution. It was the premier way the rebels would execute the prisoners or figureheads they dethroned. From kings to royal officials, no one was safe. It's important because it's beginning of this form of killing. -
The First French Republic is founded
After the war with Prussia and Austria, the people become furious with the monarchy and form the republic. Violent factions began to kill prisoners in Paris, including nobles, clergymen, and political prisoners. They demanded the removal of crown, so the first republic was formed, leading the way for Napoleon to take a stand. -
King Louis XVI is executed by guillotine
After the violent outbreaks by the rebels, the king was eventually dethroned and became their prisoners. What better way to besmirch the old way than to kill the Old King. So he was guillotined and further fueled the fighting. This marked the end of the monarchy and its power. -
The Reign of Terror ends
During this time, 16,594 official death sentences were given out in France. This was only a timespan of about 2 years, and included anyone from the king and queen to prisoners. It ended when Robespierre is overthrown, ending in him being executed the next day. This brought the time of fear to the end. -
The Directory is formed
This set up a new Constitution for the French Revolution, for 4 years. It consisted of the lower house, who proposed legislation, and the Council of Ancients, who had the power of veto. Sadly it was filled with corruption, making the legislative body not last long. -
Sources
http://www.ducksters.com/history/french_revolution/timeline.php
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Directory-French-history
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reign_of_Terror
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximilien_Robespierre
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_First_Republic
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legislative_Assembly_(France)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storming_of_the_Bastille
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Constitution_of_1791
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacobin -
Napoleon overthrows the Directory
4 years after formation, Napoleon overthrows the Directory of France. The corruption of the organization made it crumble and easy for Napoleon to snatch power. He establishes the French Consulate, making him the leader of France. This was the way France would be run for the foreseeable future. -
The Storming of the Bastille
This marked the beginning of the French Revolution. There was a little bit of prior rebelling and planning but this is where the fighting truly began. The revolutionaries were killing anyone who was working for the crown. The Bastille represented the royal authority in Paris so taking it was a display of power for the rebels.
