Französische Revolution History Timeline and Biographies

1789

The Storming of the Bastille

On July 14, 1789, the people of Paris stormed the Bastille prison, a symbol of royal tyranny. This event marked the beginning of the Französische Revolution, as it galvanized the revolutionary spirit among the populace and demonstrated the power of the people against the monarchy.

1789

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

Adopted on August 26, 1789, this foundational document of the Französische Revolution articulated the principles of individual and collective rights, emphasizing liberty, equality, and fraternity. It laid the groundwork for modern human rights and democratic principles in France and beyond.

1791

In September 1791, the National Assembly completed the first constitution of France, establishing a constitutional monarchy. The document sought to limit the powers of the king and guarantee civil liberties, reflecting the ideals of the Französische Revolution.

1792

The Abolition of the Monarchy

On September 21, 1792, the National Convention declared France a republic, effectively abolishing the monarchy. This pivotal moment in the Französische Revolution marked a significant shift in power from the royal family to the people.

1793

King Louis XVI was executed by guillotine on January 21, 1793, after being tried for treason. His death symbolized the end of the monarchy and the radical phase of the Französische Revolution, leading to increased political turmoil and the rise of the Jacobins.

1793

From September 1793 to July 1794, the revolutionary government, led by Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety, initiated the Reign of Terror. Thousands were executed as suspected enemies of the revolution, reflecting the extreme measures taken during the Französische Revolution to maintain control and eliminate opposition.

1794

On July 27, 1794, Maximilien Robespierre was arrested and executed the following day, marking the end of the Reign of Terror. His downfall signified a shift in the revolutionary government and a move away from radicalism during the Französische Revolution.

1795

In August 1795, a new constitution was adopted, establishing the Directory as the governing body of France. This marked a more moderate phase of the Französische Revolution, attempting to stabilize the nation after years of upheaval.

1799

On November 9, 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte staged a coup d'état, overthrowing the Directory and establishing the Consulate. This event effectively ended the Französische Revolution and marked the rise of Napoleon as a dominant figure in French and European politics.

1804

In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself Emperor of the French, solidifying his power and marking a departure from the revolutionary ideals of republicanism that had characterized the early years of the Französische Revolution.

1815

After Napoleon's defeat in 1815, the Congress of Vienna sought to restore stability in Europe. The outcomes of the Französische Revolution and the subsequent Napoleonic Wars significantly influenced the political landscape, leading to a reorganization of European borders and power structures.

1848

Inspired by the ideals of the Französische Revolution, a series of revolutions erupted across Europe in 1848, demanding democratic reforms and national self-determination. These revolutions highlighted the enduring legacy of the revolutionary spirit ignited in France.

1871

The Paris Commune of 1871 was a radical socialist government that briefly ruled Paris, drawing inspiration from the principles of the Französische Revolution. It was ultimately suppressed, but it reflected the ongoing struggle for social justice and political rights in France.

1917

The Russian Revolution of 1917 was heavily influenced by the principles of the Französische Revolution, as it sought to overthrow the existing autocratic regime and establish a socialist government, demonstrating the global impact of revolutionary ideas originating in France.

2024

As of 2024, the Französische Revolution is recognized as a pivotal moment in world history, influencing democratic movements and the development of human rights across the globe. Its ideals continue to resonate in contemporary political discourse and inspire ongoing struggles for equality and justice.