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On July 28, 1794, Maximilien Robespierre was executed in Paris. He had led the Reign of Terror, but many people in the Convention turned against him. Robespierre and his allies were arrested and taken to the guillotine. His death ended the Terror and began the Thermidorian Reaction. This moment showed that the Revolution was changing and that fear could not rule France forever.
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In 1789, the National Constituent Assembly was created in France. It came from the Estates General and was led by the Third Estate. The Assembly wanted to write a new constitution. It ended feudal rights and made laws for equality. This group also wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. The Assembly was very important in the French Revolution because it changed France into a new political system.
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The Estates General opened in May 1789 in France. It was a big meeting called by King Louis XVI. People from three groups came: the clergy, the nobles, and the common people. They met in Versailles to talk about money problems and taxes. This event was important because it started big changes. Soon, the Third Estate wanted more power, and this led to the French Revolution.
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On June 20, 1789, French people from the Third Estate met in a tennis court in Versailles. They promised not to leave until France had a new constitution. This was called the Tennis Court Oath. It was very important because it showed the people wanted change and helped start the French Revolution.
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On July 14, 1789, people in Paris attacked the Bastille, a prison and fortress. They wanted guns and freedom. The Bastille was a symbol of the king’s power. Its fall showed the start of the French Revolution. Today, France celebrates this day as Bastille Day.
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In August 1789, the French National Assembly made the August Decrees. These laws ended feudal rights and special privileges of nobles and clergy. Now peasants did not pay extra taxes or work for lords. It was a big step for equality and freedom in France. The decrees showed that the Revolution wanted justice for all people, not only for the rich.
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In August 1789, the French National Assembly wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. It said all men are free and equal in rights. People have rights to liberty, property, and safety. The law must protect everyone the same. This text was very important in the French Revolution and inspired ideas of democracy and human rights in many countries.
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In 1791, the Legislative Assembly replaced the National Constituent Assembly in France. It was made to create new laws and protect the Revolution. The Assembly had three groups: radicals, moderates, and conservatives. They argued about war and the king. In 1792, the Assembly declared war on Austria. Later, protests in Paris ended its power. This Assembly was important for moving France toward the Republic.
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In June 1791, King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette tried to escape Paris. They wanted to reach Montmédy, where soldiers could protect them. The family traveled in secret but was recognized in Varennes. People stopped them and sent them back to Paris. This event showed that the king could not be trusted and made the Revolution stronger.
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On April 20, 1792, the French Assembly declared war on Austria. The revolutionaries feared that kings in Europe wanted to stop the Revolution. Austria protected French nobles and threatened France. The Assembly decided to fight to defend liberty. This war began the First Coalition. It was a turning point, as France moved from defending the Revolution to spreading it across Europe.
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On January 21, 1793, King Louis XVI of France was executed in Paris. He was found guilty of treason by the National Convention. The king was killed by the guillotine in the Place de la Révolution. Many people watched the event. His death marked the end of monarchy in France and showed that the Revolution was stronger than the king. It was a turning point in French history.
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On August 10, 1792, revolutionaries in Paris attacked the Tuileries Palace. King Louis XVI and his family lived there. The Swiss Guards tried to defend the king, but many were killed. The king was taken prisoner by the Assembly. This event ended royal power in France and pushed the Revolution forward. It was a key step toward the Republic.
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In 1795, the Directory became the new government of France. It had five directors who shared power. The Directory tried to keep order after the Terror. It made new laws and fought wars in Europe. But it had many problems like corruption and weak support. In 1799, Napoleon ended the Directory and took control. This government was important as a step between Revolution and Empire.
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In 1799, the Consulate became the new government of France. Napoleon Bonaparte was the First Consul. The Consulate replaced the Directory after a coup. It gave strong power to Napoleon, who controlled laws and the army. The Consulate tried to bring order and peace after years of Revolution. In 1804, Napoleon made himself Emperor, so the Consulate ended and France became an empire.
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On December 2, 1805, Napoleon fought the Battle of Austerlitz in Moravia. His French army faced Austria and Russia. Even with fewer soldiers, Napoleon used smart plans and won a great victory. This battle is called the “Battle of the Three Emperors.” It showed Napoleon’s power and ended the Third Coalition. Austerlitz is seen as his most famous success in war.
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In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte made himself Emperor of France. This period is called the Empire. Napoleon created new laws, called the Civil Code, and controlled much of Europe through wars. The Empire showed French power but also brought many battles. In 1815, after the defeat at Waterloo, the Empire ended. It was an important time that changed France and Europe.
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On October 21, 1805, the Battle of Trafalgar took place near Spain. The British navy, led by Admiral Nelson, fought against France and Spain. Even with fewer ships, the British won a clear victory. Nelson died in the battle, but his success stopped Napoleon from invading Britain. Trafalgar showed the strength of the Royal Navy and gave Britain control of the seas for many years.
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In October 1813, the Battle of Leipzig happened in Germany. Napoleon’s French army fought against Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Sweden. It was called the “Battle of Nations” because many countries joined. The fight lasted four days. Napoleon lost and had to leave Germany. This defeat was very important because it weakened his empire and gave power back to the allies in Europe.
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On June 18, 1815, the Battle of Waterloo took place in Belgium. Napoleon’s French army fought against the British, led by Duke of Wellington, and the Prussians, led by Blücher. The battle was long and hard, but the allies won. Napoleon lost and had to leave power. This defeat ended his rule and the French Empire. Waterloo became a symbol of a great final loss.