The French Revolution
14th of July 1789
Over view
At the time, France was split into 2 distinct categories, the rich and the poor. Those born to the poorer half of society could do next to, if not nothing to break out of the their oppressing classes. These people had 2 choices; to live as a slave to the upper classes or to rot in poverty on the French streets. The Revolution was one due to inequality and arbitrary rules made and enforced by those who were lucky enough to sit above the rest.
After 10 years the revolution was complete. The peasants taking victory and the royal family left, completely abolished. This change would go on, to spike further armed conflict and schism with various other European countries, inviting the famous reign of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Foul Facts
Important Figures
Maximilen Robespierre
Maximilen Robespierre was a lawyer and politician. One of the French Revolution's major characters, inspiring a lot of people. Ironically, he belonged to the wealthy side of the French society with a well paying job!
Charlotte Corday
Charlotte Corday; French assassin during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror. Famous for the assassination of Physicist, politician and radical journalist, Jean-Paul Marat. Eventually she was jailed and executed for her various crimes.
Georges Danton
Georges Danton was a French Revolutionary leader and Orator, as a skilled and eloquent public speaker. Danton became opposed to the idea of the Reign of Terror, and due to that, met his end, with many others, at the guillotine.
Timeline
King Louis XVI
Louis XVI's Grandfather, King Louis XV, passed away leaving 19 year old Louis and 18 year old Marie Antoinette to take the throne.
10/04/1774More Tax
The American Revolution War begins for American Independence with England. France decides to put funds toward America to represent their "power" and in doing so increasing the taxes to an all-time high, additional to what tax payers can manage.
19/04/1775Declaration of War
With the 3rd class sinking deeper into desperation and deprivation, some come to a realisation; the only way to cease equality is to take it. A mob of thousands marched on the Bastille, demanding the vast stockpile of bombs, ammunition, weapons etc. Inadvertently, beginning the French Revolution and going on to annihilate the Monarchy all together.
14/07/1789The Great Fear
The general panic amongst rich and poor alike. With speculation of the "famine plot", a plan to send the 3rd estate into complete starvation, burning crops etc. Commoners and peasants began arming themselves in self defence, and, in some regions, mobilising and attacking manor houses. Rumours spread from town to town, differing each time. After a month or so, the great fear was declared over.
17/07/1789March on Versailles
A mob of thousands, predominantly women, marched on the residence of the royal family and National Constituent Assembly, all with their own objectives. Some because of food shortages, others with more violent intentions, most simply wanted the King to move back to Paris, away from "corrupting" influences and closer to the desperation and anguish, this, ultimately, what the mob and the royals agreed on.
05/10/1789Escape
The royal family's, rather exciting, attempted "flight" from Paris!
06/08/1791King Louis XVI Executed
King Louis XVI of France is executed aged 38, beginning a long line of subsequent executions. 9 months after he met the guillotine, so did his wife, Marie Antoinette.
21/01/1793Reign of Terror
After King Louis' demise at the guillotine, hostile armies surrounding France, and a scary lack of order and government, the revolutionaries began to take harsh measures against anyone suspected "against the revolution". A wave of fear, accusations and executions followed, lasting about 10 months before eventually dying down.
05/09/1793The End
After 10 years of terror, triumph and executions, the French revolution came to an end, the French society completely reconstructed. As surrounding nations attempt not to follow in the revolution's footsteps, they begin to turn on France, eventually leading to Napoleon Bonaparte's success!
11/09/1799Bibliography
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