Key Events of the French Revolution to Know for European Art and Civilization – 1400 to Present

The French Revolution reshaped France and influenced Europe, igniting a quest for liberty and equality. Key events, from the Storming of the Bastille to Napoleon's rise, reflect the struggle against tyranny and the emergence of modern democratic ideals.

1. Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789)

   • Marked the beginning of the French Revolution and a symbol of the fight against tyranny.
   • The Bastille was a fortress and prison, representing royal authority and oppression.
   • The event galvanized revolutionary fervor and led to widespread uprisings across France.

2. Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (August 26, 1789)

   • Established fundamental rights and principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
   • Asserted that all men are born free and equal in rights, laying the groundwork for modern democracy.
   • Influenced future human rights documents and movements worldwide.

3. Women's March on Versailles (October 5-6, 1789)

   • Driven by food shortages and high bread prices, thousands of women marched to Versailles.
   • The march resulted in the royal family being brought back to Paris, symbolizing the shift of power.
   • Highlighted the role of women in the revolution and their demands for political and social change.

4. Civil Constitution of the Clergy (July 12, 1790)

   • Reorganized the Catholic Church in France, placing it under state control.
   • Required clergy to swear allegiance to the state, leading to a schism within the church.
   • Sparked conflict between revolutionary ideals and traditional religious authority.

5. Flight to Varennes (June 20-21, 1791)

   • King Louis XVI and his family attempted to escape Paris to rally royalist support.
   • They were captured in Varennes, leading to a loss of public trust in the monarchy.
   • This event intensified revolutionary sentiments and led to the king's eventual downfall.

6. Execution of Louis XVI (January 21, 1793)

   • Marked the end of the monarchy and the establishment of the First French Republic.
   • Louis XVI was tried for treason and executed by guillotine, symbolizing the revolution's radical turn.
   • His death shocked Europe and led to increased tensions and conflicts with other monarchies.

7. Reign of Terror (September 1793 - July 1794)

   • A period of extreme political repression and mass executions of perceived enemies of the revolution.
   • Led by the Committee of Public Safety, it aimed to protect the revolution from internal and external threats.
   • Resulted in the deaths of thousands, including prominent revolutionaries, and created a climate of fear.

8. Fall of Robespierre (July 27, 1794)

   • Marked the end of the Reign of Terror and the rise of a more moderate phase of the revolution.
   • Maximilien Robespierre, a key figure in the Terror, was arrested and executed by his political rivals.
   • His fall signified a rejection of radicalism and a shift towards stability in France.

9. Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte (1799)

   • Napoleon seized power in a coup d'état, ending the revolutionary government and establishing himself as leader.
   • His rise marked the transition from revolutionary ideals to authoritarian rule.
   • He implemented significant reforms in France, including the Napoleonic Code, which influenced legal systems worldwide.

10. Establishment of the Consulate (1799-1804)

    • Created a new government structure with Napoleon as First Consul, consolidating power.
    • The Consulate marked the end of the revolutionary period and the beginning of Napoleonic rule.
    • Set the stage for the eventual establishment of the French Empire and further military expansion across Europe.