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French Formally Ally with Colonists During American Revolution
Benjamin Franklin, along with the French noble le Marquis de Lafayette, convinced King Louis XVI to sign two agreements withe the American colonies: the first recongized America as an independent nation and promoted trade. The second was a declaration of France joining America's war against Britain. King Louis then sent troops and financial aid to the Continental army. -
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French Revolution-Reign of Napolean
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Storming of The Bastille
Royal troops were surrounding Paris. Peasants felt threatned; overran Bastille to get gunpowder inside. Destroyed the prison in the process because it was a symbol of royal power. -
Meeting of The Estates-General
Called to discuss the financial problems of France. Due to conflict over voting styles, 3rd Estate (peasants) broke off and formed Nationmal Constituent Assembly; wanted a constitutional monarchy. Later adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen.http://www.theskimm.com/skimm-your-candidate -
Haitian Revolution Ousts French Rulers
Inspired by French Revolution, enslaved Africans fought for their independence from France. The rebellion was led by Toussiant l'Overture, and lasted until 1803. After Napoleon's troops were unable to quell the rebels, l'Overture declared Haiti a republic on January 1, 1804. It was the second colony in the Western Hemisphere to become independent. -
Women March on Versailles
Thousands of women marched from Paris to the Palace of Versailles. When they got there, they intended to kill the queen but instead just insulted her. They demanded the king and queen return to Paris. They did so the very next day. -
King Louis XVI Executed
Tried for treason, found guilty, executed. -
Beginning of the Reign of Terror
Period of time when Jacobin radicals had control of the government. Hundreds of people, mainly nobles, were being executed every day. -
Maximilien Robespierre Executed
Leader of the Committee of Public Safety, Robespierre wa trying to turn France into the Republic of Virtue. His ideas of how to run the country differed from those of his cohorts however, and he was executed for taking the Reign of Terror too far. -
France Sells America Louisiana Territory
Sold by Napoleon to American president Thomas Jefferson in order to raise money for conquests. Purchase doubled size of the US at the time; stretched from Mississippi River to Rocky Mountains. -
Napoleon Crowns Himself Emporer
After a series of successful campaigns as a general and First Counsul, Napoleon crowned himself Emporer. He conquered a number of European countries before Prussia, Russia, and Austria forced him to abdictate. -
Joseph Bonaparte named King of Portugal
Joseph was Napoleon's older brother. Napoleon made Joseph king of Naples in 1806 and king of Spain in 1808. As king, Joseph dissolved feudalism, reformed monarstic orders, and reorganized judicial, educational, and financial system. -
Congress of Vienna
After the abdictation on Napoleon, eight countries came together to discuss the power system in western Europe. They agreed upon a legitimacy on government, an international cooperation to maintain peace, the discouragement of nationalism in politics, and a balance of power. -
Battle of Waterloo
After his return from exile, Napoleon set out to defeat his enemies-Prussia, Russia, Austria, and Britain. His made several strategic mistakes and was defeated by the Brithish. Later forced back into exile.
