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May 5, 1789 meeting with the Estates-General
This event marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The reason they had the meeting was because of the kingdom's instability and political dissent. -
Tennis Court Oath
Deputies swore to not separate until a constitution was established for France. The oath marked the beginning of the French Revolution and the creation of France's democratic-republican government. -
Storming of the Bastille
The medieval prison and armoury was attacked and overtaken by protestors. After 4 hours and 94 deaths, the protesters were able to enter the building. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man
This was one of the most foundational documents of the French Revolution. The document talked about liberty, property, safety and resistance to oppression. -
Women's March on Versailles
The march was led by women who were angry about the high price of bread and the scarcity of food. The marchers' demands were successful, and the king and his family were forced to return to Paris with them the next day. -
Execution of King Louis XVI
Louis XVI was found guilty of treason and condemned to death. -
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Reign of Terror
A violent period where mass executions and widespread arrests were used to eliminate perceived enemies of the revolution, with thousands of public executions, mostly by guillotine, against anyone considered a "suspect." -
Maximillian Robespierre's execution
Maximilien Robespierre was executed by guillotine. -
Napoleonic Code is established
The code established property rights, abolished the feudal system, freed peasants from serfdom, and improved transport and communication systems. -
Napoleon Crowns himself emperor
It was a symbolic gesture that emphasized his political and spiritual power: -
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Peninsular War
It was fought between the Allied Army, made up of Britain, Portugal, and Spain, and the invading French Empire, led by Napoleon Bonaparte. -
Napoleon and his men march on Russia
Napoleon rapidly advanced his army of nearly half a million individuals through Western Russia, encompassing Belarus. -
Napoleon is exiled to Elba
Napoleon was exiled as a result of the Treaty of Fontainebleau, which he signed after the Battle of Lipsia. -
Napoleon dies
Napoleon Bonaparte died at the age of 51 on the island of St. Helena.