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Periods of French Revolution and Empire

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Revolt of the Aristocracy

Dates: 1789

Key Groups: King + Aristocracy

Events:

  • King Louis XVI wants privileged classes to pay taxes, and the States General is convened.
  • Privileged classes oppose this in the States General.

National or Constituent Assembly

Dates: 1789 / 1791

Key Groups: King + Bourgeoisie

Events:

  • National sovereignty is declared.
  • The people assault the Bastille on July 14, 1789. It's a symbol of the Ancien Régime.
  • The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen is produced, which means the abolition of all feudal rights.
  • The National Assembly prepares a Constitution.

Legislative Assembly

Dates: 1791 / 1792

Key Groups: King + Bourgeoisie

Events:

  • On September 3, 1791, a Constitution that establishes a parliamentary monarchy is produced.
  • Laws are made to implement the Constitution.
  • Emigration of the nobility to Austria and Prussia.

Girondin Convention

Dates: 1792 / January 23, 1793

Key Groups: Middle Bourgeoisie

Events:

  • Moderate stage. The King is dedicated to conspiracy and does nothing.
  • Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Spain, and other countries invade France to restore the monarchy. (War of the First Coalition)

Jacobin Convention

Dates: January 23, 1793 / July 1794

Key Groups: Lower Bourgeoisie + Sans-culottes

Events:

  • January 23, 1793: Execution of Louis XVI and the whole family.
  • Another Constitution is created, including Universal Suffrage, right to education, etc.
  • Revolutionary Tribunals, time of Terror and dictatorship of Robespierre.

Thermidorian Convention

Dates: July 1794 / 1795

Key Groups: Middle Bourgeoisie

Events:

  • Coup d'état.
  • A more moderate Constitution is drafted.
  • France achieves military victories on all fronts.

Directory

Dates: 1795 / 1799

Key Groups: Upper Bourgeoisie

Events:

  • A more moderate Constitution is created, restricting political rights.
  • The executive power is held by 5 people. (One was Napoleon)

Consulate

Dates: 1799 / 1804

Key Groups: Napoleon + Upper Bourgeoisie

Events:

  • Napoleon takes power and introduces a new system.
  • Victories against Austria and Prussia.
  • Begins to expand across Europe, intending to spread liberal ideas.

The Empire

Dates: 1804 / 1815

Key Groups: Napoleon + New Aristocracy

Events:

  • Napoleon is crowned Emperor.
  • Significant policy reforms are made:
    • Administrative centralization.
    • Public school (Civil Code).
    • Initiates a major tax reform (tax based on property/wealth).
  • Napoleon is defeated in Russia and imprisoned.
  • Napoleon escapes, returns to France, creates the Hundred Days rule, and is defeated at Waterloo (Belgium).

The Restoration

Dates: 1815 / 1830

Key Groups: King + Aristocracy

Events:

  • Louis XVIII is named King.
  • France returns to the Ancien Régime.

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