French Revolution Timeline by NOELIA ELISABETH ROMERO VELEZ

1774: Louis XVI Ascends the Throne

12901492 — 2024-04-14 09:24:18 UTC

In 1774, Louis XVI ascended the throne of France after the death of his grandfather, Louis XV. His accession to the throne marked the beginning of a disorderly period in French history. During his reign he attempted to implement several reforms to address the problems that France had, although he faced resistance from the nobility and clergy. His lack of political skills contributed to the weakening of the monarchy.

1789: The convocation of the states general

12901492 — 2024-04-14 16:33:33 UTC

The Convocation of the States General in 1789 marked an important event in the French Revolution. Convened by King Louis XVI to address the financial and social crisis, the States General brought together representatives of the three estates of society: the nobility, the clergy, and the Third Estate.

1789: The National Assembly

12901492 — 2024-04-14 16:41:52 UTC

The National Assembly of 1789 arose thanks to the inequality and dissatisfaction that existed during the Convocation of the States General. Those who formed it were the representatives of the Third Estate, they challenged the established system as they declared themselves as the legitimate authority. This act was very crucial in the beginning of the French Revolution.

1789: Storming of the Bastille

12901492 — 2024-04-14 16:53:47 UTC

The storming of the Bastille in 1789, on July 14, Parisian citizens, annoyed by monarchical despotism and the lack of food, attacked the Bastille prison, a symbol of royal power. This event demonstrated the people's defiance of royal authority. The storming of the Bastille is considered a fight for the freedom and equality of France.

1789: The declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

12901492 — 2024-04-14 17:57:17 UTC

The declaration of the rights of man and citizen of August 26, 1789 was a fundamental event in the French Revolution. Adopted by the National Constituent Assembly, I proclaim the universal rights of freedom, equality and fraternity. The declaration reflected the revolutionary spirit of the time and its influence extends to this day as a symbol of universal human rights.

1789: The Women's March to Versailles

12901492 — 2024-04-14 18:03:57 UTC

The Women's March to Versailles occurred on October 5, 1789 during the French Revolution. Thousands of Parisian women, angry at the lack of food and high living standards, marched to the Palace of Versailles to demand bread and justice from King Louis XVI. As a result, the royal family had to leave Versailles and return to Paris under the custody of the people, symbolizing the power of the people over the monarchy and their ability to influence political events during the revolution.

1791: The escape attempt of the royal family

12901492 — 2024-04-14 18:18:40 UTC

The escape attempt of the royal family occurred on June 20-21, 1791. After the celebration of the Federation Festival in Paris, where the first anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille was celebrated, King Louis XVI, Marie Aintonette along with her children tried to escape from France to Austria to seek refuge and organize a counterrevolution. The plan was to travel incognito but they were detained in Varennes. As a consequence of that act, Louis XVI lost the trust and support of his people, accelerating the process of eliminating the monarchy.

1792: France Declares War on Austria

12901492 — 2024-04-14 18:26:09 UTC

France's declaration of war against Austria in 1792 was a turning point in the French Revolution and European history. This statement occurred at a time of high political and social tensions in France. This triggered a series of conflicts known as the French Revolutionary Wars, which involved several European powers and lasted more than a decade.

1793: Louis XVI executed

12901492 — 2024-04-14 18:43:34 UTC

After being found guilty of treason by the National Convention, Louis XVI was guillotined on January 21, 1793 in the Place de la Revolution in Paris. His execution marked a turning point in the Revolution, symbolizing the end of absolute monarchy in France and the rise of the power of the people. This event also triggered a series of repercussions both within France and throughout Europe, deepening political and social divisions and giving rise to new changes in the European political landscape.

1794: Execution of Robespierre

12901492 — 2024-04-16 14:01:19 UTC

Robespierre's execution was on July 28, 1794. Robespierre, a prominent leader of the Reign of Terror, lost support within the National Convention. He was arrested and guillotined, ending the bloodiest period of the French Revolution.

1793: Reign of Terror

12901492 — 2024-04-16 14:05:55 UTC

The reign of terror began in September 1798 and ended in July 1979. It was a period of intense politics and violence. Led by the Political Salvation Committee, its objective was to eliminate the supposed enemies of the revolution. Thousands of people were executed by guillotine. This period of terror spread fear and distrust in French society.

1799: Napoleon coup d'état

12901492 — 2024-04-16 14:23:17 UTC

In 1799 Napoleon Bonaparte led a coup d'état that marked the history of France. Napoleon took control of the French government on November 9. This led to the end of the Directory and the establishment of the consulate, with Napoleon as First Consul, paving the way for his rise as supreme leader of France and later as emperor.