The French Revolution was a major event in world history, bringing big changes to France and Europe. It happened from 1789 to the late 1790s and saw the end of old rules like monarchy and feudalism, making way for a new republic. This period was full of both hope and violence and finished with Napoleon Bonaparte coming to power. Seeing the main events in order helps understand how much the revolution changed France and influenced modern governments.
French Revolution Timeline Simple: Main Events Overview
Why did the French Revolution happen? Main reasons
The French Revolution started because many people in France were unhappy with the way things were. The ordinary people were upset with the rich nobles and the old system that placed unfair burdens on them. King Louis XVI spent a lot of money, and France lost even more money by helping in the American War of Independence. This left France nearly broke. Making things worse, there were several bad harvests, droughts, and animal diseases, making bread-an important food for most people-very expensive.
Because of high bread prices, peasants and city workers struggled even more and began to protest, riot, and strike. Attempts to fix the financial crisis, like Charles Alexandre de Calonne’s idea to tax land owned by both rich and poor, were blocked by the nobles. With the country in trouble, King Louis XVI called together the Estates-General, a meeting of clergy, nobles, and commoners, in May 1789. This was the first time they had met since 1614 and instead of solving problems, the meeting actually helped start the revolution because it showed just how divided French society had become.
What years did the French Revolution exist?
The French Revolution began in 1789 and is usually said to have ended in 1799 when Napoleon Bonaparte took over power. The most important years are from the Estates-General meeting in May 1789 to Napoleon’s coup on November 9, 1799. In this time, France went from an absolute monarchy to a republic and changed in ways that still affect the world today.
Main Phases of the French Revolution
| Phase | Years | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Early Reforms & Fall of Bastille | 1789 | Starts with Estates-General, National Assembly, Tennis Court Oath, fall of the Bastille, and ending of old laws and privileges. |
| End of Monarchy & Radical Changes | 1791-1792 | The king tries to escape, France becomes a constitutional monarchy, then a republic; violence and war increase. |
| Reign of Terror | 1793-1794 | The king is executed; many people, including nobles and revolutionaries, are killed; Robespierre leads, then falls. |
| The Directory & Rise of Napoleon | 1795-1799 | A new government tries to keep order, but fails; Napoleon takes power. |
Stage 1: Early Changes and the Fall of the Bastille (1789)
The Revolution began with the Estates-General on May 5, 1789. The Third Estate, made up mostly of commoners, wanted fair votes. They declared themselves the National Assembly on June 17 and promised in the Tennis Court Oath to write a new constitution. On July 14, worried Parisians stormed the Bastille, a prison and symbol of royal power. The National Assembly soon ended old feudal laws and adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in August, establishing rights for all men.
Stage 2: End of Monarchy and Radical Change (1791-1792)
France tried to become a constitutional monarchy but faced many problems. King Louis XVI tried to run away in June 1791 but was caught. A constitution was made in September 1791, but soon many wanted a republic instead. France went to war and violence grew. On August 10, 1792, the king was arrested during an attack on the Tuileries Palace. The monarchy ended, and the First French Republic was declared on September 22, 1792.
Stage 3: The Reign of Terror (1793-1794)
After King Louis XVI was executed in January 1793, France saw even more violence. The radical Jacobins, led by Robespierre, took over and started the Reign of Terror. Thousands were put to death by guillotine for being “enemies” of the revolution. In July 1794, Robespierre himself was executed, which ended this bloody period.
Stage 4: The Directory and Napoleon’s Rise (1795-1799)
After the Terror, a new government called the Directory was set up, but it was weak and faced many problems. In November 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte, a popular general, seized power in a coup and ended the Revolution. Napoleon then became the leader of France, marking a new era.
French Revolution Timeline: Important Dates
- May 5, 1789 – Estates-General Opens: The king calls a meeting with representatives from all three social groups to discuss the financial crisis.
- June 20, 1789 – Tennis Court Oath: The Third Estate promises not to stop meeting until they write a constitution.
- July 14, 1789 – Bastille Stormed: People in Paris attack the Bastille prison, sparking the revolution.
- August 26, 1789 – Declaration of Rights of Man: The National Assembly announces basic rights for all men in France.
- October 5, 1789 – Women’s March on Versailles: Women march to the king’s palace demanding bread, forcing the king to move to Paris.
- June 20-21, 1791 – Royal Family Flees (Flight to Varennes): The king and his family try to run away but are caught and sent back to Paris.
- August 10, 1792 – Tuileries Palace Attacked: Revolutionaries storm the royal palace, arresting the king.
- September 21, 1792 – France Becomes a Republic: The National Convention ends the monarchy and starts a republic.
- January 21, 1793 – Louis XVI Executed: The former king is beheaded by guillotine.
- September 1793 – Start of Reign of Terror: The government begins arresting and executing anyone seen as an enemy.
- October 16, 1793 – Marie Antoinette Executed: The queen is beheaded after being found guilty of treason.
- July 27, 1794 – Robespierre Arrested (End of Terror): Robespierre, the main leader of the Terror, is arrested and executed.
- November 9, 1799 – Napoleon’s Coup: Napoleon takes control, ending the French Revolution.
Overview Table: Key Events of the French Revolution
| Date | Event | What Happened? |
|---|---|---|
| May 5, 1789 | Estates-General Meeting | King calls meeting to fix financial issues. |
| June 20, 1789 | Tennis Court Oath | Third Estate vows to form new constitution. |
| July 14, 1789 | Storming of the Bastille | People attack prison; Revolution begins. |
| August 26, 1789 | Declaration of Rights | Basic rights and freedoms declared. |
| October 5, 1789 | Women’s March | Women demand bread, force king to move. |
| June 21, 1791 | King’s Flight Fails | King’s escape attempt fails; returns to Paris. |
| August 10, 1792 | Tuileries Stormed | Palace attacked; king arrested. |
| September 21, 1792 | France a Republic | Monarchy ends; republic begins. |
| January 21, 1793 | King Executed | Louis XVI is beheaded. |
| September 1793 | Reign of Terror Starts | Mass arrests and executions begin. |
| October 16, 1793 | Marie Antoinette Executed | Queen beheaded. |
| July 27, 1794 | Robespierre Falls | Leader of Terror executed; Terror ends. |
| November 9, 1799 | Napoleon’s Coup | Napoleon takes power; Revolution ends. |
The French Revolution finished when Napoleon took over, but its changes lasted much longer. The ideas of liberty, equality, and brotherhood influenced other countries and future generations. The Revolution got rid of old systems, ended the monarchy, created new laws, and changed who held power. Even when Napoleon became a strong leader, the push for rights and people’s voices stayed important. Today, the French Revolution is remembered for showing what can happen when people work together for change.
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