French and Haitian Revolution Timeline by Vicente Cerqueira Visnevski

1789 - Beggining of the French Revolution, Bastille, Declaration of Rights, National Assembly, Tennis Court Oath, Woman's March

vvisnevski — 2026-05-15 17:41:12 UTC

The French Revolution began as France faced economic crisis and dissatisfaction with the monarchy. The Storming of the Bastille became a symbol of rebellion against royal authority. Later that year, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen established ideas of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty. Tennis Court Oath, promising not to separate until France had a constitution. The National Assembly was created when representatives of the Third Estate broke away from the Estates-General, claiming to represent the French people. The Women's March on Versailles began as a protest against high bread prices and food shortages.

1791 - Bois Caïman Ceremony, Slave uprising begins, Haitian Revolution begins

vvisnevski — 2026-05-15 17:42:20 UTC

The Bois Caïman Ceremony is traditionally seen as inspiring unity among enslaved people in Saint-Domingue. Soon after, a massive slave revolt began, starting the Haitian Revolution.

1792 - France Becomes a Republic, September Massacres

vvisnevski — 2026-05-15 17:42:28 UTC

France abolished the monarchy and declared a republic. During the September Massacres, fears of counterrevolution led to violent killings of prisoners in Paris.

1793 - Execution of Louis XVI, Reign of Terror begins, Committee of Public Safety

vvisnevski — 2026-05-15 17:42:39 UTC

Louis XVI was executed for treason, ending centuries of monarchy. The Reign of Terror followed, led by the Committee of Public Safety and Maximilien Robespierre, using executions to eliminate perceived enemies.

1794 - Reign of Terror ends

vvisnevski — 2026-05-15 17:43:05 UTC

Robespierre was arrested and executed, bringing the Reign of Terror to an end. France moved away from extreme revolutionary violence.

1795 - French Directory Established

vvisnevski — 2026-05-15 17:43:12 UTC

France established the Directory, a more moderate government. However, corruption and political instability continued.

1796-98 - Toussaint gains control, British withdrawal

vvisnevski — 2026-05-15 17:43:26 UTC

Toussaint Louverture became the dominant political and military leader in Saint-Domingue. British attempts to take control failed, and foreign troops withdrew.

1804 - Haiti Declares Independence

vvisnevski — 2026-05-18 13:33:05 UTC

On January 1, Haiti declared independence through the Declaration of Independence of Haiti. Haiti became the first independent Black republic and the first country created through a successful slave revolt.

1803 - Battle of Vertières; French Defeated

vvisnevski — 2026-05-18 13:33:24 UTC

The Battle of Vertières was the decisive battle of the revolution, where Haitian forces defeated the French army.

1802 - Napoleon sends expedition to regain colony

vvisnevski — 2026-05-18 13:33:54 UTC

Napoleon attempted to restore French authority over colonies, especially Saint-Domingue. He sent a large military expedition led by Charles Leclerc to regain control and potentially restore slavery. This intensified the conflict in Haiti and led to the capture of Toussaint Louverture.

1801 - Constitution of Saint-Domingue: Toussaint becomes governor for life

vvisnevski — 2026-05-18 13:34:15 UTC

The Constitution of Saint-Domingue made Toussaint governor for life and maintained the end of slavery while keeping formal ties with France.

1790 - Civil Constitution of the Clergy

vvisnevski — 2026-05-18 13:37:39 UTC

This reform placed the Catholic Church under state control and required clergy to swear loyalty to France. It created divisions between revolutionaries and religious groups.

1791 - Constitution, Louis XVI attempts to flee

vvisnevski — 2026-05-18 13:38:49 UTC

The French Constitution of 1791 limited the king’s powers and created a constitutional monarchy. That same year, King Louis XVI attempted to escape France in the Flight to Varennes, weakening trust in the monarchy.

1792- Fighting spreads across Saint-Domingue

vvisnevski — 2026-05-18 13:40:49 UTC

Conflict intensified among enslaved rebels, white colonists, free people of color, and foreign powers. The colony entered a period of widespread violence and instability.

1793 - French commissioners abolish slavery locally

vvisnevski — 2026-05-18 13:42:17 UTC

French commissioners abolished slavery in Saint-Domingue to gain support against enemies. This decision encouraged formerly enslaved people to fight alongside French forces.

1794 - France abolishes slavery in all colonies, Toussaint Louverture allies with France

vvisnevski — 2026-05-18 13:43:22 UTC

France officially abolished slavery across all its colonies. Leaders such as Toussaint Louverture allied with France and helped defend the colony.

1799 - Napoleon takes power, Coup of 18 Brumaire

vvisnevski — 2026-05-18 13:45:53 UTC

Napoleon Bonaparte seized power during the Coup of 18 Brumaire, effectively ending the Revolution and beginning his rise.

1801 - Napoleon consolidates rule

vvisnevski — 2026-05-18 13:46:20 UTC

After taking power in 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte strengthened his control over France. In 1801 he signed the Concordat of 1801 with the Pope, restoring relations between France and the Catholic Church while keeping the Church under state influence.

1802 - Toussaint Louverture captured and deported

vvisnevski — 2026-05-18 13:48:02 UTC

Napoleon sent troops to restore French authority. Toussaint Louverture was captured and deported to France, where he later died in prison.

1803 - Napoleonic France at war in Europe

vvisnevski — 2026-05-18 13:48:39 UTC

France remained involved in major European conflicts during the Napoleonic Wars. Military campaigns expanded French influence but also stretched resources. The failure of French forces in Haiti during this period contributed to Napoleon abandoning plans for a large French empire in the Americas.

1804 - Napoleon crowned emperor

vvisnevski — 2026-05-18 13:49:28 UTC

Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France, transforming the republic into an empire while maintaining some revolutionary reforms.

1805 - Napoleonic Empire expands

vvisnevski — 2026-05-18 13:50:01 UTC

Napoleon expanded French influence across Europe through military victories and alliances, increasing France’s power.

1805 - Constitution of Haiti Dessalines becomes Emperor Jacques I

vvisnevski — 2026-05-18 13:50:29 UTC

The new Haitian constitution reinforced independence and banned slavery permanently. Jean-Jacques Dessalines ruled as Emperor Jacques I, leading the newly independent nation.