-
Louis XIV dies leaving France in debt
France was in debt as a result of the building of Versailles. Versailles was a palace that Louis XIV forced 36,000 laborers to build. It was extremely grand, which meant it was extremely expensive. As a result of the building of Versailles, France was left in debt, so Louis XIV heavily taxed his people. French citizens were unable to afford/pay for the taxes, so they starved and suffered, further leaving France in debt. -
The Meeting of the Estates General
The Estates General was an assembly of representatives from the three estates. With Louis XVI as ruler, France faced many economic troubles such as the rising cost of living, heavy taxes, and a shortage of food. While his people starved, Louis XVI and his wife spent lots of money. Furthering France's debt, Louis borrowed money to help the Americans in their Revolution. When Louis XVI had no money, he chose to tax the nobles, but they disagreed. He called the Estates General to approve the tax. -
The formation of the National Assembly and Tennis Court Oath
The National Assembly was formed by Third Estate delegates to enact laws and reforms in the name of French people. The Assembly was formed in hopes of ending the absolute monarchy in France and to start a representative government. Days later, delegates from the Third Estate were locked out of their meeting room, so they broke down the door to the Tennis Court. This became known as the Tennis Court Oath because they pledged to stay in the Tennis Court until they formed a new constitution. -
The Storming of the Bastille
A mob of angry French citizens stormed the Bastille, a Paris prison, in search of weapons and gunpowder after rumors spread about troops planning an attack. The mob took control of the building, killing several guards in the process. The Storming of the Bastille was the start of the revolution. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man
The Declaration of the Rights of Man was a statement of Revolutionary ideas adopted by the National Assembly. The Declaration of the Rights of Man claimed that all men were born free and equal in rights. It guaranteed rights such as liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression. Rights also included equal justice, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. -
The women’s riot
Thousands of women rioted outside of Versailles with weapons because of the rising cost of bread. It became such a burden to pay for necessities that many people starved. They demanded the National Assembly to provide bread. Then they broke into Versailles and demanded that Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette leave and return to Paris. The king and queen agreed and never returned. -
National Assembly reforms the Church
The National Assembly took over the Church lands and stated that Church officials had to be elected and paid as a state official. As a result, the Catholic Church lost both of its lands. The National Assembly did this because the money gained by selling the lands was used to help pay off France’s debt. Peasants were offended by the assembly’s actions because they were devout Catholics and depended on the Church for help. -
The royal family attempts to escape
After being warned by his advisers that his family was in danger, Louis XVI decided France was no longer safe. In June 1791, Louis XVI and his family attempted to escape France to the Austrian Netherlands, where his wife was from. The escape ended unsuccessfully when Louis XVI was captured and taken to Paris under guard along with his family. -
The National Convention becomes the new governing body
The Legislative Assembly set aside the Constitution of 1791 after being pressured by radicals. This called for a new governing body, which became the National Convention. The National Convention abolished the monarchy and declared France a republic. It also gave men, not women, the right to vote. -
Louis is executed
The National Convention lowered Louis XVI’s position as king to that of a common citizen and prisoner. Louis XVI was found guilty after being tried for treason, and was voted to be sentenced to death. On January 21, 1793, Louis XVI was executed by the guillotine. -
Robespierre becomes leader of the Committee of Public Safety/Reign of Terror
Robespierre led the Jacobins in 1793 and became the leader of the Committee of Public Safety, whose chief goal was to protect the Revolution from its enemies. Enemies, who were radicals that challenged Robespierre’s leadership, were tried and then executed by the guillotine. Robespierre aimed to destroy France's past through terror, which is why his reign was called the Reign of Terror. About 40,000 people were executed during the Reign of Terror, 85% were peasants. -
Robespierre is executed
Members of the National Assembly became concerned about their safety. As a result, they turned on Robespierre and demanded for him to be arrested and executed. July 28, 1794, Robespierre was sent to the guillotine. This marked the end of the Reign of Terror. -
A new government is formed
After the Reign of Terror, the people were tired of the rising prices of bread and the constant terror. As a result, the National Convention formed a new government known as the Directory. The Directory placed the power in the middle class, had a two house legislature, and an executive body of five moderate men. The Directory gave order to France.
