27 Germinal
An CCXXXIV
French Revolution
At the end of the 18th century, the bourgeoisie in France sparked a revolution that shook all of Europe. It was about liberty, equality, and fraternity. However, as early as the storming of the Bastille, the coming dark sides became apparent: violence, terror, and dictatorship. In the end, there was a largely return to the old order. Yet much endured. The equality of citizens before the law is today taken for granted – before 1789, it was a utopia for most people. The myth of the French Revolution also continues to resonate. The symbolism of the liberty tree, the tricolor flag, and the guillotine has deeply embedded itself in humanity’s collective memory.
1789 - 1799
- May 5, 1789 · Opening of the Estates General.
- June 20, 1789 · Tennis Court Oath.
- July 14, 1789 · Storming of the Bastille.
- October 6, 1789 · Forced relocation of the royal family from Versailles to Paris.
- June 21, 1791 · Failed escape attempt of the royal family in Varennes.
- September 3, 1791 · Constitution of 1791. Constitutional monarchy, property-based male suffrage.
- August 10, 1792 · Storming of the Tuileries, fall of the king.
- September 21, 1792 · The newly elected National Convention proclaims France a Republic.
- January 21, 1793 · Execution of the king.
- April 6, 1793 · Establishment of the Committee of Public Safety.
- June 24, 1793 · The National Convention adopts the Constitution of 1793 (universal male suffrage), but it never comes into force.
- September 5, 1793 · The Convention adopts Terror as a means of government.
- October 16, 1793 · Execution of Marie Antoinette.
- October 31, 1793 · Execution oft the Girondins.
- November 24, 1793 · Introduction of the Republican Calendar.
- April 5, 1794 · Execution of Danton.
- June 8, 1794 · Festival of the Supreme Being in Paris.
- June 10, 1794 · Law of 22 Prairial, the Great Terror.
- July 27, 1794 · Convention session of 9 Thermidor, arrest of Robespierre.
- July 28, 1794 · Execution of Robespierre.
- August 22, 1795 · Constitution of Year III (Directory). Property-based suffrage (men).
- September 4, 1797 · Coup d'État of the Directory.
- November 9, 1799 · Napoleon's coup d'État.
- December 15, 1799 · Official end of the Revolution.
Quotes
No, Sire, it is a revolution.
Response to the king's question, whether the storming of the Bastille is a revolt.
To build a republic is to destroy everything that opposes it.
Saint-Just, February 5, 1794
Citizens, the Revolution remains faithful to the principles that founded it. It is finished.
The Consulate, December 15, 1799
Le Moniteur
Du 23 au 24 juillet 1789
On 14 July 1789, the people stormed the Bastille, a symbol of royal authority.
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