The French Revolution

Timeline 1745: The Enlightenment led to criticism of the Monarchy 1756: Seven Years’ War cripples French navy, Britain becomes a world power Rousseau and Voltaire

Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette 1774: Coronation of Louis XVI

American Colonists: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness 1776: American Revolution 1778: France declares war on Britain in support of American colonies

Increasing Troubles for France 1783: Treaty of Paris ends American War—success of colonists fuels French citizens 1787: A time of financial troubles for Louis XVI

Estates-General 1st Estate: Clergy/Church 2nd Estate: Royalty/Aristocrats—born into wealth 3rd Estate (97% of population): Commoners (70%), Bourgeoisie (28%)—middle class, educated, working class

1789 Estates-General convenes for the first time since 1614 to raise taxes Third Estate (commons) locked out of voting on constitution

1789 July 14: Storming of the Bastille—ammunition cache August 27: Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen

Versailles October 5-6: Paris mob storms Versailles

The Hall of Mirrors

Queen’s and King’s Bed Chamber

The Chapel and Garden

The Guillotine September 2-5, 1792: September Massacres; 1200, prisoners, including over 200 clergy, killed in fear they were siding with Prussians About 40,000 died by guillotine during the Revolution—80% + were commoners

The Reign of Terror Period of violence from 27 Jun 1793-27 July 1793 Committee of Public Safety established—led by Robespierre Robespierre: A leader of the Revolution; extreme left-wing bourgeoisie; called for king’s execution; instrumental in Reign of Terror Marat: Helped launch Reign of Terror Danton: Helped launch Reign of Terror

1790-1799 January 21, 1793: Louis XVI executed February 1: War declared on Britain, Holland, and Spain October 16: Marie Antoinette executed 1799: Napoleonic Era begins

Causes of the Revolution Increasing, enormous debt Government lavish spending Archaic taxation system in which the Third Estate had greatest burden and least representation American Revolution High unemployment Scarcity of food

9 Thermidor 9 Thermidor Year II: The end of the Reign of Terror. 27 July 1794 Robespierre and Public Safety Committee convicted as outlaws. All were guillotined the following day.

The Scarlet Pimpernel