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French Revolution Timeline
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Estates Generale Meeting
France was on the verge of bankruptcy. King Louis XVI called for a meeting of the Estates General which was a delegation representing French society, made up of clergy, nobility and the middle class to discuss their grievances at Versailles. The Third Estate (middle class) wanted equal representation in voting system. This was a significant event because citizen's opinions were not usually taken into consideration during the reign of Louis XVI.
https://www.history.com/topics/french-revolution -
Declaration of National Assembly
There was disagreement about voting process. The Third Estate did not agree. They met alone & declared themselves the National Assembly of the people of France. The middle class had begun to organize themselves & stand up for their rights.
https://www.history.com/topics/french-revolution -
Tennis Court Oath
National Assembly met at tennis court at Versailles. They was a lot of resentment about social inequality, representation & taxation. They "vowed not to disperse until constitutional reform had been achieved." Most of the clergy & some of the nobility joined the National Assembly. Louis XVI agreed to include them in https://www.history.com/topics/french-revolution -
Storming of the Bastille
Soldiers began to gather in Paris supposedly to put down any rebellion by National Assembly. Members of National Assembly stormed the Bastille to get weapons. They need the weapons to defend themselves against soldiers & fighting broke out. Bastille Day is recognized as beginning of French Revolution & Independence.
https://www.history.com/topics/french-revolution -
Great Fear
People's unrest spread from Paris to rural areas. Peasants began destroying houses of nobility. Social unrest & rebellion gained momentum. The fight for social & political change had begun.
https://courses.vhslearning.org/d2l/le/content/116737/viewContent/1328185/View -
Declaration of Rights of Man
A growing number of noblemen supported peasants having equal right to clergy & nobility. A declaration listing rights of all citizens was written. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly & separation of powers were declared. Declaration of Rights of Man is considered to be major achievement towards modern day International human rights movement.
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_the_Rights_of_Man_and_of_the_Citizen -
September Massacres
France no longer had absolute monarchy & went to war with Austria/Prussia because of their pressure to restore King. Riots & killing broke out in Paris. National Convention took over & got rid of `king & declared France a Republic.
https://courses.vhslearning.org/d2l/le/content/116737/viewContent/1328191/View -
Reign of Terror
A radical group called the Jacobins took power. Robespierre, their leader became a dictator & wanted to get rid of all opposition to the revolution. Everyone who was thought to be against the revolution was an enemy, such as priests & nobles. Many people were executed by beheading with he guillotine. The Revolution killed many people.
https://www.britannica.com/event/Reign-of-Terror -
Directory
Some less radical members of the National Convention arrested & executed Robespierre. The Reign of Terror ended. The National Convention wrote France's first constitution with 2 legislative houses. Executive power was now in the hands of 5 moderate politicians elected by parliament.
https://www.history.com/topics/french-revolution -
Napoleon's Coup d'Etat & French Revolution Ends
The politicians of the Directory were also found to be corrupt & no longer had the support of the people. Napoleon Bonaparte was a respected war hero. He seized power by over taking the government & the Directory. He became known as First Consul. He restored peace, order, the constitution & expanded the French Empire.
https://www.history.com/topics/french-revolution
