French Revolution Timeline by CARISSA BROWN

Louis XVI Summons the Estates General (May 5, 1789)

cbrown261 — 2025-01-23 18:58:34 UTC

Following the end of the American Revolution, France experienced a Financial crisis. This led Louis XVI to summon the estates to propose a tax increase. The third estate, comprised of commoners, brought up other discussions such as political and social reforms. Because of this, this meeting is ultimately credited for causing the French Revolution.

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

cbrown261 — 2025-01-23 18:59:41 UTC

After being locked out of their usual meeting place, members of the Third Estate met instead at an indoor tennis court. There they took an oath to not disband until a new constitution for France was put in place. This is considered a turning point during the war because a few days before the meeting, the estate proclaimed themselves the National Assembly and they stated they represented the people of France. With this statement, they promised to resolve the economic and social crisis in the country.

Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789)

cbrown261 — 2025-01-23 19:00:32 UTC

Parisians feared Louis XVI was planning on destroying the National Assembly so in retaliation they stormed the Bastille which was an important symbol of the French monarchy. The fall of Bastille is marked as a turning point and symbolizes the people's revolt against the monarchy.

The Abolition of Feudalism (August 4, 1789)

cbrown261 — 2025-01-23 19:01:10 UTC

The National Assembly abolished Feudalism as part of the reformation of French society during the revolution. The goal was to promote equality and a more egalitarian system by abolishing titles of nobility and social classes.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (August 26, 1789)

cbrown261 — 2025-01-23 19:01:39 UTC

The National Assembly adopted this document for several reasons. It established the benefits that men are born free with equal rights, the importance of liberty, property, and security, and also laid the groundwork for the French Revolution by pointing out key values that led to a shift toward a more equal society that prioritizes rights.

The Women's March (October 5, 1789)

cbrown261 — 2025-01-23 19:02:01 UTC

This March is considered a turning point in the French Revolution for weakening the control of the monarchy after peasant women marched from Paris to Versailles to force the king back to Paris. They were angered by the economic hardships and scarcity of bread which led them to make a change.

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

cbrown261 — 2025-01-23 19:02:57 UTC

The flight was King Louis XVI's attempt at escaping the revolution in Paris and fleeing to start a counter-revolution. Before he could reach his destination, however, he was arrested in Varennes. His arrest led to increased hostility toward the monarchy, King Louis being charged with treason, and eventually his execution.

Arrest (August 13, 1792), Trial (December 3, 1792), and Execution (January 21, 1793) of King Louis XVI

cbrown261 — 2025-01-23 19:04:47 UTC

He was arrested for treason and imprisoned at Temple Prison in Paris. He was tried for treason among other crimes and the state found him guilty sentencing him to death. He was executed with the use of a guillotine a the Place de la Revolution in Paris which marred the end of the France monarchy.

Reign of Terror and Robespierre (September 5, 1793 - July 27, 1794)

cbrown261 — 2025-01-23 19:17:35 UTC

A period of time when the revolutionary government began arresting and executing enemies of the revolution. Robespierre was a member of the Committee of Public Safety and believed the use of terror was necessary for the revolutionary goals. The reign of terror ended when Robespierre was arrested and executed.

Napoleon's Italian Campaigns (March 1796)

cbrown261 — 2025-01-23 19:18:12 UTC

During the first campaign, Napoleon led his forces to northern Italy where they battled Austrian forces. By the end, France gained control of the Austrian Netherlands and Lombardy. During the second camping Napolean's army gained control of more of Northern Haly. These campaigns proved Napoleon's superior force and expanded French control.

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

cbrown261 — 2025-01-23 19:19:18 UTC

The goal of the invasion was to weaken British power and threaten their trade routes. Napoleon also hoped to establish a French presence in the region but the expedition ultimately failed due to British naval superiority. This failure caused Napoleon to lose a large part of his army. He did not defeat Britain, and his reputation was damaged.

Coup of 18th Brumaire (November 9-10, 1799)

cbrown261 — 2025-01-27 17:23:43 UTC

This event is known for marketing the end of the revolution and the beginning of Napoleon's rise to power. The goal was to overthrow the Directory (French government). To do so, Napoleon's forces surrounded the legislative councils and chateau de saint-cloud and established the French consulate which gave Napoleon power.

Haitian Revolution & War of Independence (August 22, 1791 to January 1, 1804)

cbrown261 — 2025-01-27 17:25:57 UTC

A slave revolution against colonial forces. It was inspired by the ideas of the French revolution and the brutal slave conditions. It is the only known slave revolt that resulted in the founding of a new state governed by previous slaves. It also leads to the abolishing of slavery and the founding of the first nation in Latin America

Napoleon Crowning as Emperor (December 2, 1804)

cbrown261 — 2025-01-27 17:28:07 UTC

This married the establishment of the first French empire and is significant because Napoleon took the crown from the pope to crown himself. This proved his authority and power and that he was not contraned by the church or divine right.

Battle of Trafalgar (October 21, 1805)

cbrown261 — 2025-01-27 17:28:41 UTC

This war was a significant setback for Napoleon because he was unsuccessful in defeating Britain's Navy as he planned. His defeat cost him his ability to assert dominance over the seas and control the track.

Battle of Austerlitz (December 2, 1805)

cbrown261 — 2025-01-27 17:29:12 UTC

Napoleon's forces battled Austrian and Russian forces in Austra where Napoleon trapped Austrian and Russian armies after a reigned retreat. He used their weakened center to attack and defeat Austria and Russia. France gained territory dominance and Napolean wad recognized as a superior military strategist.

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

cbrown261 — 2025-01-27 17:29:49 UTC

Napoleon's goal with this invasion was to get Russia to comply with the continental system and increase his influence. Napoleon was initially successful and captured some major cities but Russia began using the scorched earth strategy to prolong any battles/destroy resources. Eventually the winter and lack of materials caused Napoleon to retreat after losing the majority of his army.

Napoleon's Exile and the 100 Days (April 11, 1814 to March 1, 1815)

cbrown261 — 2025-01-27 17:31:16 UTC

Napoleon was removed from power by the sixth coalition following his retreat from Russia. He was sent to a small island (Elba) that he eventually escaped from. The 100 days were the period where Napoleon regained control and rallied his supporters to fight the battle of Waterloo.

Congress of Vienna (September 1814 to June 1815)

cbrown261 — 2025-01-27 17:32:01 UTC

A conference was held following Napoleon's defeat that planned to reorganize Europe by solving territorial and power issues. The goal was to restore and maintain peace in Europe and prevent future revolutions or wars.

Battle of Waterloo (June 18, 1815)

cbrown261 — 2025-01-27 17:32:31 UTC

This was the final battle of the Napoleonic wars and Napoleons last channel at gaining power. He was defeated once again by the Allied forces. Marking the end of the war and Napoleon's power.

Napoleon's Exile and Death (October 15, 1815 and May 5, 1821)

cbrown261 — 2025-01-27 17:33:22 UTC

After his defeat in the battle of Waterloo, Napoleon was exiled a second time to saint Helena. While there he lived in poor conditions but still held some power before he died of what was said to be stomach cancer.