French Revolution Timeline by KENDALL MULLALLY

Louis XVI Summons the Estates General (May 5, 1784)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:43:27 UTC

France was poor and in debt due to its faulty tax system and war spending. The estates general was to balance the three estates: first/the clergy, second/the nobility, and third/the common people. They would authorize new taxes, however, even after being heavily taxed, the commoners had no say in this and were often overruled by the two higher estates.

Tennis Court Oath (June 20, 1789) & Creation of the National Assembly (June 17, 1789)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:44:19 UTC

Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:44:49 UTC

The Bastille was a symbol of absolute power and the monarchy in France. Rumors of King Louis XVI suppressing the revolution caused an uproar, leading to the civilians stocking up on whatever weapons they could find. They marched to the Bastille in Paris and seized power and freed the prisoners.

The Abolition of Feudalism (August 4, 1789)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:45:13 UTC

The people of France came together to abolish feudal privileges: feudal dues, tax exemptions, serfdom & forced labor, and feudal titles. This dismantled the privilege of the first and second estates. It also aligned with some of the main ideas brought forth by the enlightenment such as equality, liberty, and fraternity.

Declaration of The Rights of Man & Citizen ( August 26, 1789)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:45:42 UTC

This document was the goal of the French Revolution, which declared equal rights and the treatment of all people. Taxes were levied based on one's ability to pay, rather than feudal taxes and the heavy taxation of the third estate. Freedom of the press, speech, and religion was granted, and men were created equal and born with natural rights.

The Women's March (October 5-6, 1789)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:46:15 UTC

Royal Flight to Varennes (June 20-21, 1791)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:46:45 UTC

The royal family planned to escape Paris and seek shelter in Varennes, however, their cover was blown after a royalist sympathizer recognized King Louis XVI from a coin. Afterwards, he tipped off the revolutionary guards who arrested and sent the King and Queen back to Paris. This caused even more of an uproar with the common people as they felt betrayed after having all of the prior issues with the nobility and clergy.

Arrest (June 21, 1791), Trial (December 1792), and Execution of King Louis XVI (January 21, 1793)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:48:04 UTC

Reign of Terror and Robbespierre (September 1793-July 1794)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:48:46 UTC

A period of political repression, mass executions, and violence. Maximilien Robespierre was the leader credited for this hostile atmosphere. Robespierre believed the only way the revolution would be successful was through eliminating internal threats and extreme measures that would ensure the equality of the civilians.

Napoleon's Italian Campaigns (March 1796-October 1797)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:49:29 UTC

Napoleon's Invasion of Egypt (May 19, 1798)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:49:52 UTC

This key point in Napoleon's career helped expand France and assert their dominance in the Mediterranean. He gained control of the majority of Egypt, however, after leaving his troops to aide in a crisis in France, his troops were defeated or surrendered as Napoleon had left them there unattended and alone.

Coup of 18th Brumaire (November 9, 1799)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:50:18 UTC

This marked the end of Directory and the incoming rise of Napoleon. Napoleon and his acquaintances plotted a coup to overthrow the existing government due to the economic problems. This was one of Napoleon's first moves which assisted him in obtaining absolute power.

Napoleon Crowning as Emperor (December 2, 1804)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:50:44 UTC

Haitian Revolution & War of Independence (1802-1804)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:51:25 UTC

This was the first successful slave revolt in history. It was led by enslaved Africans in Sainte-Domingue which later became the first independent black republic, or what we now know as Haiti. This revolt inspired more slaves to fight for freedom including in the America's.

Battle of Austerlitz (December 2, 1805)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:51:54 UTC

This was said to be one of Napoleon's greatest victories. This win forced Austria to sign the Treaty of Pressburg. By doing so this once again increased Napoleon's power. Due to the strategic attack and win, this was noted to be Napoleon's peak in his military career.

Battle of Trafalgar (October 21, 1805)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:52:17 UTC

Napoleon's Invasion of Russia (June 24, 1812)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:52:38 UTC

This was notably one of the most disastrous campaigns in history. After France's advance into Russia, Russia limited Napoleon's resources by setting fire to villages. While Napoleon had little success, it still came with a price. By the end of the campaign, he had lost over 80% of his men to war or suffering from starvation during the retreat from Russia.

Congress of Vienna (September 1, 1814)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:52:58 UTC

This was a meeting between the European powers organized to rebuild Europe after the Napoleonic Wars. The idea was to restore power, monarchies, and balance them throughout Europe. Many nation borders were adjusted, France's had been reduced. Overall the meeting and powers helped restore and distribute peace throughout Europe again.

Napoleon's Exile and the 100 Days (April 11, 1814)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:53:23 UTC

After his defeat in 1814, Napoleon was exiled to the Mediterranean. After escaping Elba, he returned to France where he attempted to regain power in a span of "100 days", however, the uproar this caused lead to the Battle of Waterloo.

Battle of Waterloo (June 18, 1815)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:53:41 UTC

Napoleon's Exile and Death (October 15, 1815)

kmullally26_ — 2025-02-11 14:54:07 UTC

Napoleon was closely guarded in Saint Helena as this was the second time he had been exiled. He spent the rest of his life there, he died at 51. Some say he died due to stomach cancer, others believe in the possibility he died from being poisoned. In 1840, his body was returned to Paris, France where it is now seen as a historic site.