Project Vid

The American Revolution

The American Revolution took place from 1775-1789 and was a big inspiration and paved the way for the French Revolution.

The American Revolution

1775-1789

What Caused the French Revolution?

Causes

There were many causes for the French Revolution.

• 1st and 2nd estates were much wealthier than the 3rd estate, causing hunger and starvation
• the enlightenment changed the thoughts of society, making them realize that they wanted more
• Taxes were another big cause. The first and second estates were the most wealthy and didnt have to pay taxes, but the third estate did.
• There was a lot of negligience from the King and Queen

May 5, 1789

Meeting of the Estates-General

The Estates - General

France was having a lot of financial troubles and ended up hitting bankruptcy. Louis XVI was afraid he would lose power and he called a meeting with the Estates-General. There had not been a meeting of the Estates-General since 1614. Many issues were discussed in the meeting including voting policies, and how the three estates would vote on certain topics. The third estate did not like the voting policy and knew it was unfair for them.

• Estates-General: assembly of representatives from all three estates to discuss their opinions.

June 13, 1789

The National Assembly

National Assembly

The Third Estate decided to create the National Assembly. They gathered people from all three estates and took matters into their own hands. They talked about their beliefs and hopes for the country and how they were going to make a change. They believed in a representative government. This was the first act of a real revolution.

June 1789

Tennis Court Oath

King Louis XVI did not like the National Assembly or support what they stood for. He closed the location where they usually had their meetings, so the National Assembly gathered at a Tennis Court (Jeu de Paume) and stayed there until they came up with a new Constitution.

July 14,1789

Storming the Bastille

Citizens came together and rebelled by storming the Bastille. They attacked guards, stole gun powder, and revolted against their king.

• The Bastille: a prison where political prisoners were held

People in France now honor that day during the year as Bastille Day.

Storming of the Bastille

August 26, 1789

Declaration of the Rights of Man

The National Assembly comes together and creates the Declaration of the Rights of Man. This document states that France was free of feudalism. It also includes that the government protects natural rights, all citizens are equal under the law, and there is a freedom of religion. It was based on America’s Declaration of Independence. This declaration did not include rights for women. Louis XVI rejects the document and refuses to adopt it.

October 5, 1789

Women's March to Versailles

Versailles

The “Fish Women” in Paris March to Versailles. 6,000 women marched 13 miles to the royal family’s palace at Versailles. The women went there intending to kill Marie Antoinette. They demanded to see King Louis XVI. The women forced them back to their palace in Paris and imprisoned them there for 3 years.

July 12, 1790

Civil Constitution of the French Clergy

Civil Constitution of the French Clergy

The Civil Constitution of the clergy was an attempt to reform the catholic church. They wanted to limit the power of the church within the government. It required bishops and the whole clergy to swear an oath of loyalty to the state. People who were in support of the church did not support this.

June 20, 1791

The Royal Family Attempts to Escape France

Royal Family Tries to Escape

King Louis XVI was having a lot of issues and didn’t want to lose power or be imprisoned in France again. He and Marie Antoinette and their family decided to try to escape and flee to Austria. They were recognized by guardsmen and arrested and sent back to Paris. The French people felt betrayed and were very upset by this.

September 3, 1791

New Constitution is Ratified

A New Constitution

This Constitution was created by the National Assembly. It enforced a limited monarchy and created a new assembly to make laws and collect taxes. It introduced a Legislative Assembly which was elected by a system of indirect voting. Citizens who paid taxes and were over the age of 25 could vote. This constitution only lasted for under a year.

April 20, 1792

France Declares War

France Declares War on Austria. France’s army performed poorly in the war at first, but got better as the war progressed.

France Declares War

April 1792

The Guillotine

The Guillotine

The guillotine was introduced in France at the beginning of the Reign of Terror. It is a beheading device that was used to execute people. It was a tall frame with a weighted angled blade that would be released onto the necks of the victims. It was invented to make capital punishment less painful and more quick and affective. Throughout the French Revolution, approximately 17,000 people were executed by guillotine.

September 22, 1792

France Becomes a Republic

Louis XVI and his family are placed under arrest. People were very mad at Louis and refused to work with him. The National Convention was established and they decided to completely abolish the monarchy from power and start a Republic.

1793-1794

Reign of Terror

The Jacobins became the ruling party in the Legislative Assembly. They had very radical ideas, and if anyone opposed them they would be executed. This went on for about a year and between 20,000-50,000 french citizens were executed. French citizens were constantly fearful for their lives. This period of time was known as the Reign of Terror.

January 21, 1793

Louis XVI is Executed

King Louis was executed after being arrested and trying to flee the country. People were not supporters of him and his execution signified the end of the monarchy

April 6, 1793

Committee of Public Safety is Established

C.O.P.S. is Established

The Committee of Public Safety was created as a war council with 9 members. It was made to protect citizens. Shortly after it was established, the Jacobins took it over. This was one of the main contributing factors to the Reign of Terror.

October 16, 1793

Marie Antoinette is Executed

Marie Antoinette is Executed

Marie Antoinette was executed October 16,1794 after being arrested for treason and many other things.

July 27, 1794

Robespierre is Executed

Maximilian Robespierre was executed July 27, 1794. Him and many of his followers were arrested and killed by guillotine in front of a crowd.

1799-1804

Napoleon Takes Over

Napoleon was appointed as general in command of the army. He had a huge following and gained a lot of popularity in France. He was named one of the Consuls of France and then named himself the First Consul of France. He became emperor.

Napoleon Takes Over

French Revolution is Over, and a New Era Begins

French Revolution is Over

Napoleon’s reign marked the end of the French Revolution and led into a new era.