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Estates-General Meeting
Louis XVI summoned the delegates of each of the three estates to discuss France's financial crisis. Even though the number of third estate delegates almost outnumber that of the two others put together, each estate only gets one vote. The third estate tried, and failed, to have each representative be given one vote. In the end, the delegates reached an impasse.
This was significant since it showed that the current system was grossly unfair, and could not be depended on to get things done. -
Tennis Court Oath
Three days prior, the National Assembly had been established, making a transition from absolute monarchy to representative democracy. The Third Estate members met together in an indoor tennis court to further discuss their grievances and goals. There, they vowed not to separate, and reconvene whenever necessary, until a constitution is established.
This was significant as it shows how urgent the situation had become, and laid the foundation for the constitution to be completed two years later. -
Bastille Day
Citizens, especially those in Paris, were frightened by the prospects of the king sending armed forces to attack them. In order to defend themselves, they sought out ammunition by storming the Bastille prison. A few of the remaining prisoners were freed, while prison officers were hacked to death in the ensuing chaos.
This event marked the first significant act of revolution in France. It showed that the people were ready to lead their own movement and command their own forces to fight back. -
Nobility abolished
Noblemen, out of fear more than idealism, made grand speeches on equality and liberty. They agreed to abolish the special privileges of the first and second estate, and join the National Assembly in making reforms. Thus, France was no longer under a feudal system, and peasants were equal to noblemen.
This marked a moment where the different classes united and voluntarily reached a common solution. It also allowed the August Decrees to be passed, further cementing changes in the system. -
Women's March on Versailles
With multiple crop failures in past years, France fell into a bread shortage while prices rose. Angered by this situation, women marched into markets in the thousands to demand for food. Many carried weapons, from kitchen knives to muskets and swords. This escalated to cries for Louis' removal and Marie Antoinette's death; several guards were killed in the process.
This shows how desperate citizens had become, where even women revolted. It also forced the king and queen to leave their palace. -
Constitution ratified
In September, the first constitution was completed, which Louis reluctantly signed. It established a constitutional monarchy in place of an absolute one. Louis' power to make laws and declare war was given over to a new Legislative Assembly. With this separation of powers, the constitution aimed for more equal representation.
This marked when the people managed to strike a formal agreement with the king and define how their ruler should rule, going against many established governments. -
France declares war on Austria and Prussia
The monarchs of other countries were afraid their citizens would follow France's lead. Austria and Prussia, in particular, urged for Louis to be reinstated as an absolute monarch. France defiantly responded by declaring war. The revolutionaries hoped this would unite the people and spread their ideas; the reactionaries hoped this would weaken the disorganized revolutionary army.
This shows the revolution in France had impacts across Europe, and even posed a threat to monarchs still in power. -
Tuileries Palace stormed
Ever since the March on Versailles, the royals were on house arrest at the dilapidated Tuileries Palace; they attempted to flee in June 1791, but was brought back under guard. Prussia threatened to destroy Paris if the royals were harmed, to which a mob responded by storming the palace. Most carried weapons, and massacred the guards that could not flee. The royal family was imprisoned.
This shows that the people were no longer afraid to oppose more powerful forces and act radically. -
France proclaimed a republic
The Legislative Assembly nullified the Constitution of 1791 and deposed the king. It established a new governing body, the National Convention, which abolished the monarchy and declared France a republic. Thus, all adult males had the right to vote and hold office.
This was the ultimate step in bringing France to a new political system, finally allowing the former third estate to achieve their desired representation (albeit only for men). In removing the king entirely, it did the unthinkable. -
Louis XVI executed
Louis had been reduced to a mere commoner and prisoner. The National Convention, guided by radical Jacobins, found evidence of him colluding with Austria and other nations to counter revolutions. He was tried for treason and sentenced to death by a narrow margin. He was executed by guillotine.
This move was both symbolic, clearly showing the end of the monarchy, and practical, preventing other monarchs from backing him. It also allowed a new dictator to rule, ushering in the Reign of Terror.
