French Revolution: Key Events, National Assembly & Napoleonic Era

The French Revolution: A Timeline of Key Events

The French Revolution began in 1789 when the Estates General was called to address increasing taxes and social and political problems.

The National Assembly

The Third Estate demanded a new voting system based on individual votes and formed the National Assembly.

When the King locked them out of the Estates General, they met at a tennis court and vowed to remain until France had a constitution.

The Constituent Assembly

The King eventually conceded, and the Constituent Assembly was formed to write a constitution. This marked a triumph for the bourgeoisie, as the monarchy's power was no longer absolute.

In 1791, the Assembly approved the constitution, which established:

• Constitutional Monarchy: The monarch's power was limited by the constitution.
• Limited Male Suffrage: Only some men could vote.
• Separation of Powers: Executive power (monarch), legislative power (assembly), and judicial power (the courts).

The Legislative Assembly

Two main political groups emerged:

• Girondins: Represented the interests of the wealthy bourgeoisie, held moderate views, supported the constitutional monarchy and limited suffrage, and dominated the Legislative Assembly.
• Jacobins: Represented the petite bourgeoisie, held more radical views, wanted to abolish the monarchy, establish a republic, and introduce universal male suffrage.

The Convention

The Convention was a new assembly that represented the most radical phase of the revolution.

In 1793, the Convention agreed to execute Louis XVI for treason, and he was beheaded by guillotine. The Jacobins seized control of the government and imposed a dictatorship known as The Terror, led by Robespierre and supported by the sans-culottes.

The Terror

The measures introduced during The Terror were intended to contribute to the ongoing war and suppress internal revolts led by counter-revolutionaries.

• A popular revolutionary army was formed.
• Widespread repression of counter-revolutionaries occurred.
• The Constitution of 1793 was adopted.
• The Law of Maximum was enacted.

The Napoleonic Empire

Napoleon declared himself Emperor of France (Napoleon I) in 1804. His victories in Europe made him powerful and indispensable to France.

Achievements

• Domestic Policy: Consolidated the changes made during the revolution and established the Civil Code.
• Foreign Policy: Transformed France into an empire through victories over Austria, Russia, and Prussia.

He spread the concepts of liberty and equality across Europe and introduced new constitutions, ending absolute monarchies.

Napoleon's greatest desire was to form a united Europe under the control of the French emperor.

From 1812 onwards, his military power declined due to his failed invasion of Russia, and his army was defeated at the Battle of Leipzig.

After returning to France, he was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. He died on the island of St Helena in 1821.

Following this, the victorious European powers briefly re-established the Ancien Régime.