when did the french revolution take place
When did the French Revolution take place?
Answer: The French Revolution, a pivotal event in world history, took place from 1789 to 1799. This decade-long period was marked by significant social, political, and economic upheavals in France, which ultimately led to the end of the monarchy, the rise of radical political factions, and the establishment of the French Republic.
Key Phases of the French Revolution
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1789 - The Beginning:
- May 5, 1789: The Estates-General convened for the first time since 1614, marking the start of the revolution.
- June 20, 1789: The Tennis Court Oath, where members of the Third Estate vowed not to disband until a new constitution was established.
- July 14, 1789: The Storming of the Bastille, a symbol of royal tyranny, which became a defining moment of the revolution.
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1791 - The Constitutional Monarchy:
- September 3, 1791: The National Assembly adopted the first written constitution of France, establishing a constitutional monarchy.
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1792 - The Republic:
- August 10, 1792: The fall of the monarchy as revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace.
- September 21, 1792: The National Convention declared France a republic, abolishing the monarchy.
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1793-1794 - The Reign of Terror:
- January 21, 1793: King Louis XVI was executed by guillotine.
- September 1793 - July 1794: The Reign of Terror, a period of extreme violence and political purges led by the Committee of Public Safety and figures like Maximilien Robespierre.
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1795-1799 - The Directory:
- August 22, 1795: The Directory, a five-member committee, took control of the French government.
- November 9, 1799 (18 Brumaire): Napoleon Bonaparte staged a coup d’état, overthrowing the Directory and marking the end of the French Revolution.
Significance of the French Revolution
The French Revolution had profound effects not only on France but also on the rest of the world. It led to the spread of revolutionary ideals, the rise of nationalism, and significant changes in political thought and governance. The revolution also paved the way for the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte and the subsequent Napoleonic Wars, which reshaped Europe.
In summary, the French Revolution took place from 1789 to 1799, a decade that transformed France and had lasting impacts on global history.