History events of the French Revolution

Event: Assembly of Notables

Charles de Calonne's failed financial reforms.Group of high-ranking nobles and officials discussed state matters.

Estates-General Meeting

Called by King Louis XVI to address France's financial crisis.Included representatives from all three estates: clergy, nobility, and commoners.

National Assembly

Formed by the Third Estate after being locked out of the Estates-General.Took the Tennis Court Oath, vowing not to disband until a constitution was established.

Tennis Court Oath

Third Estate vowed to stay together until a constitution was established.Marked the first direct opposition to the monarchy by the commoners.

Fall of the Bastille

Mob stormed the Bastille prison, symbolizing the uprising against tyranny.Bastille Day is now celebrated as a national holiday in France.

The Great Fear

Widespread panic and riots due to fear of an aristocratic conspiracy.Led to commoners forcing nobles to meet their demands.

Women’s March on Versailles

7,000 women marched to demand bread and forced the royal family to move to Paris.Highlighted the power of popular protest in the revolution.

Rise of the Jacobins

Radical political club led by Robespierre, influential in the revolution.Pushed for egalitarianism and led to the creation of the National Convention.

Death of King Louis XVI

Convicted of treason and executed.Marie Antoinette executed later in the same year.

Reign of Terror

Led by Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety.Thousands executed as enemies of the revolution.

Thermidorian Reaction

Revolt against the Jacobins, leading to Robespierre’s execution.Ended the Reign of Terror.

The Directory

Five-member government that replaced the Jacobins.Marked by corruption and inefficiency, eventually overthrown by Napoleon.

Coup d’état

Napoleon Bonaparte seized power, ending the revolution.Established the Consulate, with Napoleon as First Consul, leading to his eventual role as Emperor.