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King Louis XVI calls the Estates General
Cause: Due to a financial crisis, needed the Estates-General to address the fiscal problems Effect: The failure to resolve it results in the Third Estate breaking away -
The Tennis Court Oath
Cause: After being locked out of a meeting of the Estates-General. the Third Estate took an oath to not disband till a new constitution is created Effect: First major defiance of the monarchy -
Storming of the Bastille
Cause: Fears of royal repression and food shortages Effect: Start of the French Revolution -
Great Fear in the Countryside
Cause: News of the storming of the Bastille led to panic Effect: Peasants revolted and demanded reforms -
The National Assembly Adopts the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen
Cause: Due to revolutionary demands, they adopt this document Effect: The Declaration becomes the foundation for the new legal system -
The Women’s March on Versailles
Cause: Rising food prices and demand of bread Effect: Decline of monarchy authority -
The Constitution of 1791 Sets Up a Constitutional Monarchy in France
Cause: In an effort to stabilize France
Effect: The new constitution creates a constitutional monarchy but increases the divisions in France -
The Legislative Assembly Declares War on Austria
Cause: Tensions with Austria over revolutionary ideals and fears of invasion escalated
Effect: War destabilized France further and increased radicalization within the government -
Robespierre’s Reign of Terror
Cause: Fear of counter-revolutionaries and internal dissent prompted radical action.
Effect: The excessive violence led to Robespierre’s execution and a demand for moderation. -
Louis XVI is Executed at the Guillotine
Cause: The monarchy was seen as a threat to progress and was charged with treason Effect: France transitioned into a republic which led to more hostility from other European monarchs -
The Directory is Installed
Cause: The fall of Robespierre created a need for a more moderate governing body.
Effect: The Directory’s inefficiency and corruption set the stage for Napoleon’s rise -
Napoleon’s Coup d'état, Overthrowing the Directory
Cause: Widespread dissatisfaction with the Directory’s failures created support for strong leadership.
Effect: Napoleon became First Consul, ending the French Revolution and beginning his era. -
Napoleon is Declared Emperor
Cause: Napoleon consolidated power and gained popular support through military victories.
Effect: His imperial ambitions led to widespread wars and the implementation of the Continental System. -
Napoleon is Defeated in Russia
Cause: Harsh winters, stretched supply lines, and scorched-earth tactics decimated Napoleon’s forces.
Effect: His weakened army emboldened European allies to unite against him. -
Napoleon is Defeated at Waterloo
Cause: Napoleon’s return from exile provoked the Seventh Coalition to confront him militarily.
Effect: This defeat ended Napoleon’s rule permanently, and he was exiled to St. Helena.