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French Revolution Timeline

  • Bourgeoisie

    This was a part of the third estate in France. They were the rich middle class. This existed prior to the French Revolution.
  • Marquis de Lafayette

    Marquis de Lafayette
    He was a French Aristocrat who fought in the Continental Arny during the American Revolution. He was a leader of the liberal Aristocrats in the French Revolution.
  • Cahiers

    Cahiers
    Demands sent in by each estate to the Estates-General.
  • Jaques Necker

    Jaques Necker
    This man was a Swiss banker under King Louis XVI. He had a lack of statesmanship during the French Revolution.
  • Period: to

    Estates general

    This was called to aid in the development of the different estates in France. France's economic system was very unfair. The poorest state had to pay the most taxes, and most nobility or clergy didn't have to pay taxes. Thus the economy was really bad. During the estates general the conflict between Phillip IV and Pope Boniface VII .
  • French Revolution Starts

  • Parisians Storm the Bastille

    Parisians Storm the Bastille
    The Parisians stormed Bastille because of the political turmoil occurring in France. Many were executed during this time, and the people of France feared for their safety. So, they stormed the Bastille.
  • The Declaration of Rights of Men is Written

    The Declaration of Rights of Men is Written
    The Declaration of the Rights of man served as a constitution to France. The basic principle it was based on was that all men are created equal. It was adopted between August 20th and August 26th.
  • Women's March to Versailles

    Women's March to Versailles
    A huge group of women marched from Paris to Versailles to demand lower bread prices. This made the King and Queen of France have to come back to Versailles.
  • Jacobin Club

    Jacobin Club
    This was the most famous political group in the French Revolution.
    They were instruments of the Reign of Terror. This club watched over peoples whose opinions arose suspicion.
  • Establishment of the New Constitution

    Establishment of the New Constitution
    Under the Tennis Court Oath, the National Assembly declared that they would not leave until an act of Constitution was created. Thus a constitution was made(also known as the Constitution of 1791).
  • Sans- Culottes

    Sans- Culottes
    These were the more militant supporters in the French Revolution. They identified themselves as members of the poorer classes. This label was often obtained to demonstrate patriotism.
  • Louis XVI

    Louis XVI
    Louis XVI was the last King of France. The monarchy was abolished during the French Revolution. His and his wife's death marked the beginning of the reign of terror. He attempted to flee the country but was ultimately executed when he was brought back to Paris.
  • Plebiscite

    Plebiscite
    This is a vote by the entire country or district to decide on a certain issue. This was popular after the French Revolution because it was seen as an act of sovereignty.
    This was used sometime during 1793.
  • Period: to

    Reign of Terror

    This was a violent period of time when radicals took control of the revolutionary government. They executed anyone who was suspected of not supporting the revolution.
  • The Law of Suspects is Decreed

    The Law of Suspects is Decreed
    This law decreed that anyone that raised suspicion of opposing the Revolutionary Government was to be arrested. Most people arrested were also executed. Many were executed.
  • King and Queen are Executed

    King and Queen are Executed
    Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were beheaded during the reign of terror. Louis XVI was beheaded on January 21, 1793. Marie Antionette was executed on October 16, 1793.
  • Marie Antoinette

    Marie Antoinette
    Originally German, she was the last Queen of France before she was executed alongside her husband. Her husband wasKing Louis XVI. Her extravagant purchases were one of the minor causes of France's financial disorder. Supposedly said "The people have no bread, let them eat cake" in response to her people's poverty. She became politically active during the French Revolution, only to preserve the throne.
  • Olympe de Gouges

    Olympe de Gouges
    She was a French Reformer and writer. She challenged conventional views in France. She made many statements that women have the same rights as men. She was executed after defending Loius XVI and calling for a plebiscite for citizens to be able to have their own form of government.
  • Maximilien Robespierre

    Maximilien Robespierre
    This man was a radical Jacobin. He devoted his life to the passionate fight for liberty. He was executed during the Reign of Terror.
  • The Directory is Formed

    The Directory is Formed
    The Directory is formed. This took control of the government of France rather than a Monarchy. This was overthrown by Napoleon.
  • Napoleon Bonaparte

    Napoleon Bonaparte
    He was the First Consul and Emporer of the French. He overthrew the Directory. He also carried out a number of French invasions.
  • Napoleon Overthrows the Directory/ End of French Revolution

    Napoleon Overthrows the Directory/ End of French Revolution
    Napolean carried overthrew the directory and replaced the government with a French Consulate. He was the first consul. This marked the end of the French Revolution.
  • French Evolution Ends

  • Period: to

    Napoleon Builds and Empire

    In attempts to expand France's empire, Napoleon invaded Italy, Austria, the Netherlands, Malta, Egypt, Syria, and then he came back to France.
  • Napoleon Invades Russia

    Napoleon Invades Russia
    Napoleon invades Russia and failed. They tried to battle in Moscow, however, the Russians burned the city before Napoleon could get it. Many French soldiers died in the voyage to Russia alone, but many also died in the battles.
  • Period: to

    Congress of Vienna

    This was an assembly that reorganized France after the Napoleon wars. In its "Final Act" a principle of a balance of power was worked out.
  • Napoleon Defeated at Waterloo

    Napoleon Defeated at Waterloo
    At the Battle of Waterloo Napoleon was defeated by British and Prussian forces. This marked the end of his reign and France's domination over Europe