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Louis XVI calls Estates General
The political and financial situation in France had grown rather bleak, forcing Louis XVI to summon the Estates General. This assembly was composed of three estates – the clergy, nobility and commoners – who had the power to decide on the levying of new taxes and to undertake reforms in the country. The opening of the Estates General, on 5 May 1789 in Versailles, also marked the start of the French Revolution. -
Tennis Court Oath
The Tennis Court Oath, taken on June 20, 1789, was a pivotal act during the French Revolution where representatives of the Third Estate vowed not to disband until a new constitution was established for France, marking a significant step towards revolution. -
Storming and Bastille
The Storming of the Bastille, iconic conflict of the French Revolution. On July 14, 1789, fears that King Louis XVI was about to arrest France's newly constituted National Assembly led a crowd of Parisians to successfully besiege the Bastille, an old fortress that had been used since 1659 as a state prison. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, set by France's National Constituent Assembly in 1789, is a human and civil rights document from the French Revolution; the French title can be translated in the modern era as "Declaration of Human and Civic Rights". -
Louis XVI brought to Paris date
Louis XVI and his family were brought back to Paris from Varennes on June 25, 1791, after their failed attempt to flee the country in June 1791. On 5 October 1789 a mob descended on Versailles and demanded that the royal family decamp to Paris. The King was transferred to the Tuileries Palace, before attempting to flee in June 1791. Arrested in Varennes, he was brought back to Paris. -
Execution of Louis XVI
King Louis XVI, the last king of France, was publicly executed by guillotine on January 21, 1793, at the Place de la Révolution (now Place de la Concorde) in Paris, following his conviction for treason during the French Revolution. Following the abolition of the monarchy in 1792, Louis XVI was put on trial by the National Convention for treason, and after weeks of testimony and deliberation, all 693 deputies found him guilty. -
Committee of Public Safety
This powerful governing body was formed to safeguard the nascent French Republic during a time of war and internal unrest. It initially focused on administration and military defense, but under leaders like Robespierre, it evolved into the driving force behind revolutionary policy and the Reign of Terror. -
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Fall of Girondins
The fall of the Girondins occurred during the French Revolution, specifically between May 31 and June 2, 1793. This event marked the culmination of a power struggle between the Girondins, who were moderate revolutionaries, and the more radical Jacobins, led by figures like Robespierre. The Girondins were accused of counter-revolutionary activities and were purged from the National Convention. -
Death of Marat
Marat, a radical journalist and advocate for the Reign of Terror, became a divisive figure. His assassination by Charlotte Corday, a supporter of the moderate Girondins, was intended to weaken the Jacobin cause. Instead, it turned Marat into a revolutionary martyr, immortalized in art and propaganda. -
Reign of Terror Begins
As the Revolution faced internal dissent and external threats, the Jacobins intensified efforts to suppress opposition. Revolutionary Tribunals were established, leading to mass arrests and executions to maintain what they called "virtue" and political stability. -
Execution of Marie Antoinett
The former queen’s trial was a spectacle where she faced charges including depleting the treasury, high treason, and even false accusations of incest. Her composed demeanor during her execution was noted by many and remains a symbol of her controversial legacy. -
Execution of Dantonists
The execution of the Dantonists, including Georges Danton and Camille Desmoulins, took place on April 5, 1794. This event occurred during the French Revolution, under the Reign of Terror led by Robespierre. Danton and his allies were accused of conspiracy and counter-revolutionary activities. Their trial was highly irregular and politically motivated, with the Revolutionary Tribunal swiftly condemning them to death. Danton famously declared before his execution. -
Thermidorian Reaction
Frustration with the tyranny of the Reign of Terror and Robespierre's authoritarianism led to this revolt. The Convention turned against him and his close allies, arresting them. This marked the beginning of a move away from extreme policies. -
Robespierre Executed
The day after his arrest, Robespierre was guillotined along with his supporters. His death brought an end to the radical Jacobin dominance, transitioning the Revolution into a more moderate phase under the Directory. -
Constitution of the Year III
This constitution established the French Directory, a five-member executive body, and marked the beginning of a more conservative phase of the French Revolution. It replaced the radical Constitution of 1793 and aimed to stabilize the government after the Reign of Terror. -
Napoleon Saves the Directory
Known as the "13 Vendémiaire," Napoleon Bonaparte played a crucial role in suppressing a royalist uprising in Paris. His decisive use of artillery earned him recognition and paved the way for his rapid rise in the military and political spheres. -
Fall of the Directory
The Directory was overthrown in the Coup of 18 Brumaire, orchestrated by Napoleon and his allies, including Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyès. This event marked the end of the French Revolution and the establishment of the Consulate. -
Napoleon Becomes First Consul
Following the coup, Napoleon was appointed First Consul under the Constitution of the Year VIII. This position granted him significant executive power, effectively making him the ruler of France. -
Napoleonic Code
Also known as the Civil Code, this legal framework was one of Napoleon's most enduring achievements. It unified French law, emphasizing equality before the law, property rights, and secular authority, and influenced legal systems worldwide. -
Napoleon Crowns Himself Emperor
In a grand ceremony at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of the French, signaling the establishment of the First French Empire. This act symbolized his authority and independence from the Pope. -
Napoleon Invades Russia
Napoleon launched his ill-fated invasion of Russia, known as the Russian Campaign or the Patriotic War of 1812. His Grande Armée, consisting of over 600,000 soldiers, crossed the Neman River into Russian territory. The campaign aimed to compel Tsar Alexander I to rejoin the Continental System, but it ended in disaster due to harsh weather, logistical challenges, and Russian scorched-earth tactics. -
Napoleon Defeated in Russia
After capturing Moscow, Napoleon faced a dire situation as the city was set ablaze by the Russians, leaving his army without supplies. The brutal Russian winter and constant attacks by Russian forces decimated the Grande Armée during its retreat. By the time they crossed the Berezina River, only a fraction of the original force remained. -
Napoleon Exiled to Elba
Following his defeat in the War of the Sixth Coalition, Napoleon abdicated the throne and signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau. He was exiled to the Mediterranean island of Elba, where he retained the title of Emperor and was granted sovereignty over the island. -
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Monarchy Restored
The Bourbon monarchy was restored twice during this period. The first restoration occurred in May 1814, with Louis XVIII ascending the throne after Napoleon's abdication. Following Napoleon's defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815, the monarchy was restored again in July 1815, marking the end of the Napoleonic era. -
Napoleon Escapes Elba
After less than a year in exile, Napoleon escaped Elba and returned to France. He landed at Golfe-Juan and began his march to Paris, gathering support along the way. This marked the beginning of the Hundred Days, his brief return to power.