Learn
Timeline
Refer to the timeline below and analyze how quickly France went from absolute monarchy to republic. Note: This timeline is a great study aid for your unit test, so be sure and print it and put a copy in your notebook.
| Dates | Events |
|---|---|
| May 5, 1789 | Estates General convenes at Versailles |
| June 17, 1789 | Third Estate declares itself the National Assembly |
| June 20, 1789 | Oath of the Tennis Court |
| July 14, 1789 | Storming of the Bastille |
| August 27, 1789 | National Assembly issues the Declaration of the Rights of Man |
| October 5, 1789 | Parisian women march on Versailles, force royal family to return to Paris |
| November 1789 | National Assembly confiscates church lands |
| July 1790 | Civil Constitution of the Clergy declares a national church |
| July 1791 | Louis XVI reluctantly agrees to accept a constitutional monarchy |
| August 1792 | Arrest of the royal family while attempting to flee France |
| September 1792 | Parisian mob attacks palace and takes Louis XVI prisoner; September massacres; National Convention declares France a republic and abolishes monarchy |
| January 1793 | Execution of Louis XVI |
| 1793-1794 | Reign of Terror in Paris and the provinces |
| July 1794 | Execution of Robespierre |
| 1795-1799 | The Directory |
Rights of Man
The Declaration of the Rights of Man
After the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, France still remained relatively peaceful, and in fact, with the issuance of the Declaration of the Rights of Man by the National Assembly in August of that year (based on some of the premises of our Declaration of Independence and written by Marquis de Lafayette and others with assistance from Thomas Jefferson), it seemed like France might transition to a constitutional monarchy without much unrest.
Jean-Paul Marat
As you continue to think about the lesson title, examine this painting by French artist Jacques Louis David. You’ll see another of his famous works of art in the next lesson, but first, ask yourself why he produced a painting of a dying man in a bathtub.
The subject of this painting is French doctor and outspoken radical political thinker, Jean-Paul Marat (hint: radical supporter of the republic and the king’s execution). In fact, he spent most of his time in a tub of water because he suffered from a persistent skin disease.
In July 1793, he was stabbed to death by a royal sympathizer named Charlotte Corday. When the police arrived at the scene, Corday calmly admitted to her crime and proceeded to the guillotine in four short days.
Guillotine
The most grisly symbol of the French Revolution is the guillotine, the killing machine used to put the king and so many others to death. Ironically, it was invented and thought to be a much more humane execution instrument than its predecessors.
If you are interested in learning more about why the guillotine was invented and its long history in France, read Ultimate History Project: Executions, The Guillotine and The French Revolution.
Open Characteristics of the French Revolution Part 1 in a new window
Note: The presentation may take a moment to load.
Open Characteristics of the French Revolution Part 2 in a new window
Note: The presentation may take a moment to load.
Open Results of the French Revolution in a new window
Note: The presentation may take a moment to load.