Francuska revolucija History Timeline and Biographies

The Estates-General convenes

In May 1789, King Louis XVI called the Estates-General to address France's financial crisis, marking the beginning of the Francuska revolucija. The Third Estate, representing commoners, sought greater representation and rights, leading to tensions with the monarchy.

The Storming of the Bastille

On July 14, 1789, revolutionaries stormed the Bastille prison, a symbol of royal tyranny. This event became a powerful symbol of the Francuska revolucija, representing the uprising against oppression and the fight for freedom.

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

Adopted in August 1789, this foundational document of the Francuska revolucija proclaimed the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, asserting the rights of individuals and limiting the power of the monarchy.

The Civil Constitution of the Clergy

In July 1790, the National Assembly passed the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, bringing the Catholic Church under state control. This caused a significant rift in French society and fueled opposition to the Francuska revolucija.

The Flight to Varennes

In June 1791, King Louis XVI and his family attempted to escape Paris to seek support from loyalist forces but were captured in Varennes. This event deepened distrust in the monarchy and escalated revolutionary sentiments.

The First French Republic is proclaimed

On September 21, 1792, the National Convention abolished the monarchy and proclaimed the First French Republic, marking a pivotal moment in the Francuska revolucija and the establishment of a new political order in France.

The Execution of Louis XVI

King Louis XVI was executed by guillotine on January 21, 1793, following a trial for treason. His execution marked a radical turn in the Francuska revolucija, leading to the Reign of Terror.

The Reign of Terror begins

From September 1793 to July 1794, the Reign of Terror was characterized by political purges and mass executions of perceived enemies of the revolution. Led by Robespierre, this period exemplified the extremes of the Francuska revolucija.

The Fall of Robespierre

On July 27, 1794, Maximilien Robespierre was arrested and executed the following day, ending the Reign of Terror. His fall signified a shift in the Francuska revolucija, leading to a more moderate phase.

The Directory established

In October 1795, the Directory was established as the new governing body, replacing the National Convention. This period marked a more conservative phase of the Francuska revolucija, characterized by corruption and political instability.

The Coup of 18 Brumaire

On November 9, 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte staged a coup d'état, overthrowing the Directory and establishing the Consulate. This event effectively ended the Francuska revolucija and marked the rise of Napoleon's rule in France.

Napoleon declares himself Emperor

In May 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte declared himself Emperor of the French, solidifying his power and marking a departure from the revolutionary ideals of the Francuska revolucija, as he restored aspects of monarchy.

The Congress of Vienna

In 1815, the Congress of Vienna aimed to restore order in Europe after the upheaval caused by the Francuska revolucija and the Napoleonic Wars, reshaping borders and establishing a balance of power.

The Revolutions of 1848 and the legacy of the Francuska revolucija

The Revolutions of 1848 across Europe were influenced by the ideals of the Francuska revolucija, as citizens sought to challenge monarchies and demand democratic reforms, highlighting the lasting impact of the revolution.