Early French Revolution 1789-1793 by

Meeting of the Estates-General. (May 5th, 1789)

madiganjmurray — 2025-05-01 13:22:59 UTC

King Louis XVI called the Estates General in May 1789 to address France's growing financial crisis. It was the first time the Estate General had been summoned in 175 years. The meeting brought together representatives from the three estates; the clergy, the nobility, and the peasants. Tensions quickly rose as the third estates, angered by their lack of influence and unfair voting system, broke off to form the National Assembly- an event that marked the beginning of the French Revolution.

Tennis Court Oath. (June, 1789)

madiganjmurray — 2025-05-01 13:46:05 UTC

After being locked out of their meeting hall at Versailles, members of the Third Estate took a bold stand by gathering in an indoor tennis court. Here, they swore the Tennis Court Oath, vowing not to separate until they had created a new constitution for France. This act of resistance marked a turning point in the revolution, highlighting how common people were ready to challenge the king's authority and push for political change.

Storming of the Bastille. (July 14th, 1789)

madiganjmurray — 2025-05-01 13:48:07 UTC

On July 14th 1789, Parisians stormed the Bastille prison as they were scared and angered by a royal crackdown. They were seeking weapons and gunpowder to defend themselves. The fall of the Bastille became a powerful symbol of the peoples resistance and highlights the begining of widespread revolution action across France.

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

madiganjmurray — 2025-05-05 14:37:16 UTC

The national assembly implemented this significant document to outline the basic freedoms and rights of all male citizens. This document was inspired by Enlightenment ideas and the American Revolution, it declared that all men are born free and equal, including rights to liberty, property, and security. This declaration became a key foundation for the new French society and challenged the traditional privileges of the monarchy and nobility.

Woman's March on Versailles. (October, 1789)

madiganjmurray — 2025-05-05 14:47:08 UTC

In October 1789, thousands of women marched from Paris to the Palace of Versailles, driven by hunger and frustration over rising bread prices. They demanded food and confronted the King, forcing him and his family to retreat back to Paris. This powerful protest showed the strength of ordinary people- especially women - in shaping the Revolution and bringing the monarchy closer to the people of France.

Flight to Varennes. (June, 1791)

madiganjmurray — 2025-05-05 14:53:14 UTC

King Louis XVI and his family tried to escape France in disguise, hoping to rally support from foreign allies and restore his power. However, they were recognized and arrested in the town of Varennes, then brought back to Paris. This failed escape shattered the nations trust in the King and strengthened calls for a full Revolution.

New Constitution. (September, 1791)

madiganjmurray — 2025-05-05 14:58:15 UTC

The National Assembly completed France's first written constitution, which established a constitutional monarchy. It limited the Kings power and created the Legislative Assembly to debate laws. Although it was a major step towards democracy, many revolutionaries felt the changes didn't go far enough, and tensions grew between supporters of the monarchy and republicans.

France Declares War on Austria. (April, 1792)

madiganjmurray — 2025-05-05 15:07:03 UTC

As revolutionary ideas spread, other European monarchies grew alarmed and threatened to intervene. In response, the French revolutionary government declared war on Austria, hoping to defend the Revolution and possibly inspire uprisings in other countries. However, the French army was unprepared, and early defeats led to panic and suspicion at home. Many revolutionaries believed King Louis XVI was secretly helping Austria, which fueled distrust in the monarchy. The war escalated tensions within France, causing more radical demands from the citizens and pushing the Revolution towards the fall of the Monarchy.

Storming of the Tuileries. (August, 1792)

madiganjmurray — 2025-05-05 15:12:39 UTC

Tensions in France reached a breaking point as the war against Austria worsened and fears of monarchy betrayal grew. On August 10th, thousands of armed revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris, where King Louis XVI and his family were residing. The Kings guards were overwhelmed, and the royal family was arrested and imprisoned. This violent uprising marked the effective end of the monarchy. Additionally, it led to the suspension of the Kings power and the creation of the National Convention, a new governing body that would soon declare France a republic. This event symbolised the peoples growing power and the revolutions shift into a more radical and dangerous phase.

Execution of Louis XVI. (January 21st, 1793)

madiganjmurray — 2025-05-05 15:18:41 UTC

Following months of imprisonment and a trial by the National Convention, King Louis XVI was found guilty of treason for plotting against the Revolution and conspiring with foreign enemies. On January 21, 1793, he was executed by a guillotine in front of a large crown in Paris. His death marked the official end of the French monarchy and shocked Europe. It also deepened divisions within France and led to increased violence and instability. The execution symbolised a point of no return for the Revolution, as France entered a more radical phase known as the reign of terror.