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The Bourbon Monarchy Ends
Louis XVI becomes a constitutional monarch. The National Assembly takes the place of the Bourbon Monarchy. -
The Storming of the Bastille
A day celebrated in modern France as Bastille Day, when members of the Third Estate attacked the Bastille. The Bastille was a fortress that loomed over the city; it was a target because supposedly there were weapons stored there, it imprisoned those convicted of debt, and it was a symbol of oppression. The Storming of the Bastille was a strike back at the monarchy. -
The National Assembly begins the First Constitution
Educated members of the Third Estate take the Tennis Court Oath, and vow to write a constitution. They form the National Assembly. -
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Tenure of the National Convention
The National Convention takes the place of the National Assembly, formally abolishing the monarchy and instituting a republic. The National Convention also creates the Committee of Public Safety, which then conducts the Reign of Terror.
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The Reign of Terror
The Committee of Public Safety, led by Maximilien Robespierre, conducts the Reign of Terror. Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety eventually execute an estimated 30,000 people, accused of being 'internal enemies.'
Image Link:
https://previews.123rf.com/images/tonybaggett/tonybaggett1208/tonybaggett120800010/14789656-An-engraved-illustration-showing-the-execution-by-guillotine-of-King-Louis-XVI-during-the-French-Rev-Stock-Illustration.jpg -
The Second Constitution establishes the government of the Directory.
The National Convention puts together the Second Constitution, laying the groundwork for the government of the Directory. The Directory is lead by 5 directors. -
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Tenure of the Directory Government
The Directory government was made up of five directors, who had to be 40 years of age or older. This form of government suffered from widespread corruption, and that, in addition to scandal, is was made it so susceptible to be overthrown by Napoleon and his consulate government.
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Napoleon's Coup D'etat
Napoleon Bonaparte overthrows the French government (the Directory) and establishes a consulate government. He becomes one of three consuls, but quickly marginalizes the other consuls and becomes a king in all but name.
