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Montesquieu publishes The Spirit of the Laws, arguing for the separation of powers to prevent tyranny. His ideas become influential among Enlightenment thinkers and later inspire criticism of absolutism in France. -
Conflict in which the American colonies fought Britain for independence, inspiring revolutionary ideas about liberty and democracy in France.
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A global conflict involving European powers, including France and Britain, over colonies and trade. France’s defeat in North America and India weakened its empire and finances, leaving it in debt—a long-term cause of the French Revolution.
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Protestant Jean Calas was executed by the Parlement of Toulouse, allegedly for murdering his own son. Voltaire condemned the verdict and campaigned publicly, portraying Calas as a martyr to Church and state tyranny. -
Marie Antoinette arrived in France from Austria to marry the future Louis XVI, marking the beginning of her life at the French court. -
he future king and queen were married in a lavish ceremony at the Palace of Versailles, strengthening the alliance between France and Austria. -
A massive crowd crush during celebrations at Place Louis XV (now Place de la Concorde) in Paris killed dozens, highlighting public disorder and foreshadowing unrest leading up to the French Revolution. -
Finance minister Turgot allowed freer grain trade to lower prices and encourage economic growth, but it sparked unrest among peasants and contributed to early riots. -
Louis XVI became king of France following the death of his grandfather, Louis XV, inheriting a financially strained and politically tense kingdom. The coronation ceremony took place the following year. -
Riots across France caused by rising bread prices and economic hardship, highlighting popular unrest under Louis XVI. -
Turgot was dismissed by Louis XVI after opposition to his economic reforms, including free trade in grain. -
The American colonies formally declared independence from Britain, influencing French reformers and intellectuals. -
Jacques Necker was appointed to manage France’s growing debt and attempt fiscal reforms. -
France officially provided money, troops, and ships to support the American revolutionaries, increasing national debt. -
Necker resigned under pressure from court factions opposed to his reforms, leaving France with worsening financial problems. -
The first son of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, heir to the throne, born at Versailles. -
Officially ended the American War of Independence; Britain recognized the independence of the United States, and France, as an ally, gained prestige but suffered increased debt. -
Scandal involving Marie Antoinette and a fraudulent diamond purchase, damaging her reputation and fueling public distrust. -
Abbé Sieyès becomes a member of the Society of Thirty, a political club of liberal nobles and bourgeoisie. The group promotes Enlightenment ideas and supports reforming France’s political system in favor of the Third Estate. -
Abbé Sieyès publishes What Is the Third Estate?, arguing that the Third Estate constitutes the true strength of the nation and should have political power, challenging the privileged status of the clergy and nobility. -
The National Assembly passes the August Decrees, abolishing feudal privileges, tithes, and special rights of the clergy and nobility, marking a major step toward legal equality and the end of the Ancien Régime.