French Revolution by MARIA MILLER

The Abolition of Feudalism (August 4, 1789)

mmiller267 — 2025-02-11 19:48:02 UTC

On August 4, 1789, feudalism in France was abolished by the National Assembly. This put a stop to the privileges earned by clergy and nobility while releasing the commoners from the dues to the upper classes. This was important to the French Revolution as it was the foundation of their beliefs: equality and rights for all citizens.

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

mmiller267 — 2025-02-14 19:49:02 UTC

King Louis XVI summons the Estates General to address the financial situation and crisis of France. 3 estates, the clergy, nobility, and common people made up the meeting. As tensions arose between the upper class and commoners, King Louis kicked the common citizens out. This led to the creation of the National Assembly, which was the commoner’s way of fighting for their right to speak to up in the assembly.

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

mmiller267 — 2025-02-14 19:49:44 UTC

The Third Estate (French Commoners) declared itself as the National Assembly, representing the common people of France. This was created to give a voice to the lower classes, as they demanded their own say in government. On June 20, the Tennis Court Oath was taken. The oath stated that they wouldn't separate until a new Constitution had been written.

Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789)

mmiller267 — 2025-02-14 19:50:12 UTC

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

mmiller267 — 2025-02-14 19:50:43 UTC

The National Assembly adopted the Declaration of The Rights of Man and Citizen. This doctrine highlighted the fundamental freedoms and rights French Revolutionists believed they held. These included equality before the law, liberty, and the right to resist oppression.

The Women's March (October 5, 1789)

mmiller267 — 2025-02-14 19:51:12 UTC

Rumors had become a reality about monarchs hoarding food stores. Thousands of starving women stormed into the Palace of Versailles, where King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were hiding. The peasant women demanded that the monarchs leave for Paris and give up their food stores to feed their starving families. This act symbolized the growing power of the people in the Revolution.

Royal Flight to Varennes (June 20, 1791)

mmiller267 — 2025-02-14 19:51:44 UTC

The Royal Family attempted to flee Paris for their safety. Caught in Varennes, they were taken back to Paris by angry mobs. This weakened their authority and their public image. It increased revolutionary tensions and led to the execution of the monarchs.

The Arrest (August 13, 1792), Trial (December 3-4, 1792), and Execution of King Louis XVI (January 21, 1793)

mmiller267 — 2025-02-14 19:52:33 UTC

King Louis was arrested after revolutionists abolished the monarchy. The National Convention put him on trial from December 5 to December 4. He was charged with treason for trying to escape France and being against the Revolution. He was found guilty and executed by guillotine, finally ending the French monarchy.

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

mmiller267 — 2025-02-14 19:56:53 UTC

Extreme violence and mass executions held France in a tight vice. Maximilien Robespierre was the leader of the Committee of Public Safety. He used his government's edge and radical measures to defend the revolution. Thousands of people were executed for accusations of being against the resolution. Robespierre believed these acts were necessary to protect the revolution's ideas.

Napoleon's Italian Campaigns (April 1796-October 17, 1797)

mmiller267 — 2025-02-19 18:51:00 UTC

Napoleon led French troops against Italy and Austria. He was appointed commander of the French army and achieved many impressive and nearly impossible victories. The battles of Rivoli, Lodi, and Arcole weakened Austrian control. Napoleon's strategic brilliance led to the Treaty of Campo Formio, resulting in France gaining control of Northern Italy.

Napoleon's invasion of Egypt (July 1, 1798 -March 21, 1801)

mmiller267 — 2025-02-21 16:24:33 UTC

Napoleon's goal was to create a French colony in Egypt. His strategy was to weaken the British Empire and cut off their trade and influence with the Egyptians. After the successful capture of Alexandria and the Battle of the Pyramids, he was met with challenges such as the British Naval Victory at the Nile, leaving Napoleon stranded. The campaign was an overall failure and Egypt was left under British control.

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

mmiller267 — 2025-02-21 16:28:11 UTC

Napoleon overthrew the French Directory, which is the governing body of France. With the help and support of political and military figures, Napoleon seized power and ended the republican phase of the French Revolution. This led to the creation of the Consulate with Napoleon as First Consul starting his rise to emperor.

Napoleon crowned as Emperor (December 2, 1804)

mmiller267 — 2025-02-21 16:31:14 UTC

Haitian Revolution and Independence (August 22, 1791-January 1, 1804)

mmiller267 — 2025-02-21 16:35:49 UTC

The Battle of Austerlitz (December 2, 1805)

mmiller267 — 2025-02-21 16:42:07 UTC

The Battle of Trafalgar (October 21, 1805)

mmiller267 — 2025-02-21 16:47:48 UTC

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

mmiller267 — 2025-02-21 16:54:05 UTC

This was a disastrous military attempt for Napoleon. His objective was to force Tsar Alexander I to join the Continental System, a blockade against British Trade. Napoleon's army of about 600,000 advanced into Russia but was met with harsh weather, logistical challenges, and the scorched-earth strategy used by the Russians. Napoleon's army was forced into deeper territory and took devastating losses from harsh conditions and minimal supplies. This failed invasion significantly weakened Napoleon's rein and empire.

Congress of Vienna (September 1, 1814-June 9, 1815)

mmiller267 — 2025-02-21 16:56:04 UTC

The Congress of Vienna was a meeting of 5 European powers to restore stability after Napoleon's defeat. These countries were Austria, Britain, Russia, Prussia, and France. The Congress's objective was to redraw the political map of Europe, restore monarchies, and balance the powers among the nations. Key outcomes included the establishment of a diplomatic system to prevent future wars, the restoration of old borders, and the creation of the German Confederation. This congress deeply impacted Europe for majority of the 19th century.

Napoleon's 100 Day Exile (March 20, 1815-June 22, 1815)

mmiller267 — 2025-02-21 16:59:14 UTC

The period of Napoleon's 100 days of exile refers to the short time in 1815 when he escaped his exile on the island of Elba, returned to France, and regained his power. He ruled powerfully for about three months with heavy opposition from the Seventh Coalition. His short victory ended after his defeat at Waterloo. Napoleon was exiled to Saint Helena, where he lived for 6 years until his death.

Battle of Waterloo (June 18, 1815)

mmiller267 — 2025-02-21 17:00:33 UTC

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

mmiller267 — 2025-02-21 17:06:56 UTC

After his defeat at Water, Napoleon was once again exiled but was instead sent to Saint Helena and left under British supervision. He lived in harsh conditions and isolation for six years. Napoleon's death is questionable, as there are theories that his death was caused by cancer or an assassination.