French Revolution Timeline

The Estates-General convenes on May 5, 1789. It is a meeting of all three estates of France — the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners — to discuss and resolve the financial crisis in the country.

Image source: Estates General of 1789

The Storming of the Bastille was a turning point in the French Revolution. It occurred on July 14, 1789, when a mob of Parisian revolutionaries attacked the Bastille, a royal fortress and prison. The fall of the Bastille symbolized the triumph of the common people over the monarchy and sparked the beginning of the French Revolution. It is now celebrated as a national holiday in France, known as Bastille Day.

Image source: Storming of the Bastille

The Abolition of Feudalism was a crucial event during the French Revolution. It took place on August 4, 1789. On this day, the National Constituent Assembly in France passed a decree that abolished the feudal system and all its associated privileges and obligations. This decree aimed to dismantle the feudal structure of society and establish equality among all citizens. The abolition of feudalism was a significant step towards the modernization and democratization of France.

Image source: Abolition of feudalism in France

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was adopted by the National Constituent Assembly of France on August 26, 1789. It is a fundamental document of the French Revolution that established the rights and freedoms of the French people. The declaration was influenced by Enlightenment ideals and emphasized the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. It proclaimed that all men are born free and equal, and that they have natural and inalienable rights, including the right to liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression. The declaration also laid the foundation for the development of constitutional law in France and influenced the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Image source: Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

The Women's March on Versailles was a significant event during the French Revolution. It occurred on October 5, 1789, when thousands of women from Paris marched to the Palace of Versailles to demand bread and to protest against the high price of food. The march was sparked by food shortages and economic difficulties faced by the people, especially women. The women were joined by some men, and they forced King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette to return to Paris with them. This event marked a turning point in the revolution and symbolized the power of the people to challenge and influence the monarchy.

Image source: Women's March on Versailles

Louis XVI, the king of France, attempted to flee from Paris to escape the French Revolution. On June 20, 1791, he and his family disguised themselves and made their way towards the border. However, they were recognized and apprehended in the town of Varennes, and were brought back to Paris as prisoners. This event further solidified the distrust and resentment towards the monarchy, as it demonstrated the king's lack of commitment to the revolution and his attempts to undermine it.

Image source: Louis XVI

The Legislative Assembly was established on October 1, 1791, and replaced the National Assembly. It was the legislative body of France during the early phase of the French Revolution. The assembly consisted of 745 members, known as deputies, who were elected through indirect elections. The Legislative Assembly had the power to make laws and control the finances of the country. However, it faced many challenges and conflicts, both internally and externally, which eventually led to its dissolution in September 1792.

Image source: Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly

Execution of Louis XVI, also known as Louis Capet, took place on January 21, 1793. Louis XVI was the last king of France before the fall of the monarchy during the French Revolution. He was arrested in August 1792 and placed on trial. The National Convention found him guilty of conspiracy against the public liberty and unanimously voted for his execution. Louis XVI was executed by guillotine in the Place de la Révolution in Paris.

Image source: Execution of Louis XVI

The Committee of Public Safety was established by the National Convention during the French Revolution on April 6, 1793. Its purpose was to exercise executive power and defend the Republic against its enemies, both domestic and foreign. Led by Maximilien Robespierre, the Committee implemented policies and measures aimed at consolidating power, suppressing opposition, and ensuring the survival of the revolution. During its rule, the Committee instituted the Reign of Terror, a period of mass executions and severe repression targeting counter-revolutionaries. The Committee of Public Safety was dissolved on July 27, 1794, following the fall of Robespierre and the end of the Reign of Terror.

Image source: Committee of Public Safety

The Reign of Terror was a period of violence during the French Revolution characterized by mass executions and purges of perceived enemies of the revolution. It began on September 5, 1793, when the Committee of Public Safety took control of the government and implemented drastic measures to suppress counter-revolutionaries. The period lasted until July 28, 1794, when Robespierre, one of the key figures of the Committee, was arrested and executed. During the Reign of Terror, thousands of people were executed by guillotine, including nobles, clergy, and even some revolutionary leaders who were deemed threats to the revolution. The Committee of Public Safety also established revolutionary tribunals to prosecute and condemn individuals suspected of counter-revolutionary activities. The Reign of Terror created a climate of fear and suspicion, with people denouncing each other to save themselves. It is estimated that around 16,000 people were executed during this period.

Image source: Timeline of the French Revolution