Clovis I Unites the Franks
Clovis I, the first King of the Franks, unites the Frankish tribes under one ruler, laying the foundation for the future kingdom of France.
486
800
Charlemagne Crowned Emperor
Charlemagne, King of the Franks, is crowned Emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III, marking the beginning of the Carolingian Empire.
1066
Norman Conquest of England
William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, successfully invades England, becoming its king and significantly impacting both French and English history.
1337
Start of the Hundred Years' War
The Hundred Years' War begins between France and England, a series of conflicts that will last until 1453, shaping the future of both nations.
1429
Joan of Arc's Campaign
Joan of Arc leads French forces to several important victories during the Hundred Years' War, boosting French morale and leading to the eventual coronation of Charles VII.
1572
St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre
A brutal event during the French Wars of Religion where thousands of Huguenots (French Protestants) were killed, exacerbating religious tensions in France.
1643
Louis XIV Becomes King
Louis XIV ascends to the French throne, later known as the Sun King, his reign marks the height of absolute monarchy in France.
1789
French Revolution Begins
The French Revolution starts with the storming of the Bastille, leading to the end of absolute monarchy and the rise of the French Republic.
1804
Napoleon Bonaparte Becomes Emperor
Napoleon Bonaparte crowns himself Emperor of the French, initiating a series of military campaigns across Europe known as the Napoleonic Wars.
1848
Establishment of the Second Republic
The 1848 Revolution leads to the establishment of the Second Republic in France, with Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte elected as its first president.
1870
Franco-Prussian War
The Franco-Prussian War results in the defeat of France and the fall of the Second Empire, leading to the establishment of the Third Republic.
1914
World War I
France plays a crucial role in World War I, with significant battles fought on French soil, leading to immense loss and eventual victory for the Allies in 1918.
1940
Fall of France in World War II
Nazi Germany invades and occupies France during World War II, leading to the establishment of the Vichy regime and the French Resistance movement.
1958
Founding of the Fifth Republic
Charles de Gaulle establishes the Fifth Republic, introducing a new constitution that strengthens the role of the French president.
1968
May 1968 Protests
Massive student and worker protests in France lead to significant social and political changes, influencing future French policies and culture.
1992
Maastricht Treaty Signed
France signs the Maastricht Treaty, leading to the creation of the European Union and further integration of European countries.
2015
Paris Climate Agreement
France hosts the COP21 climate conference, resulting in the Paris Agreement, a landmark international treaty to combat climate change.
2019
Notre-Dame Cathedral Fire
A devastating fire severely damages the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, leading to a global outpouring of support and plans for restoration.
2023
Pension Reform Protests
Widespread protests erupt in France against proposed pension reforms, reflecting ongoing social and economic challenges in the country.
