1789 in History

Abolition of tithes reduced Church income and drew the peasantry more directly into the Revolution.

Artwork was produced and medallions struck to commemorate the event

Artwork was produced and medallions struck to commemorate the event.

Paris Mayor Jean-Sylvain Bailly declared that 'the National Assembly achieved more for the people in a few hours than the wisest and most enlightened nations had done for many centuries'.

Paris Mayor Jean-Sylvain Bailly declared that 'gthe National Assembly achieved more for the people in a few hours than the wisest and most enlightened nations had done for many centuries¿.

The August Decrees created fundamental change across the breadth of the nation. They stripped away the domination and privilege of the nobility, creating a society based on individualism, equality and merit.

The abolition of the tithe halved the income of the Church. The peasantry, previously kept at arm¿s length from the revolution, were now part of it. The Assembly¿s deputies were hailed as heroes and praised for their self sacrifice.

The response from the revolutionaries was as euphoric as the mood in the Assembly on August 4th.

Lafayette draws on American declarations of rights while refining his proposed French declaration before presenting it to the Assembly.

Louis XVI declared decisions taken by the self-proclaimed National Assembly invalid during the royal session.

The National Guard arrive to restore order. Louis agrees to be escorted back to the Tuilereies

The National Guard arrive to restore order. Louis agrees to be escorted back to the Tuilereies.

Article 1 establishes that men are born and remain free and equal in rights, while allowing distinctions based on common utility.

Article 10 protects opinions, including religious beliefs, provided their expression does not disturb public order established by law.

Article 11 protects speaking, writing and printing while allowing legal responsibility for abuses of that liberty.

Article 12 states that public force exists for the benefit of all rather than the private advantage of those controlling it.

Article 13 requires public taxation to be distributed among citizens according to their ability to contribute.

Article 14 recognizes citizens' right to consent to taxation and supervise its amount, basis, collection, duration and use.

Article 15 gives society the right to demand an account of administration from every public official.

Article 16 states that a society without guaranteed rights and defined separation of powers has no constitution.

Article 17 protects property from deprivation except for legally established public necessity with just prior compensation.

Article 2 identifies liberty, property, security and resistance to oppression as natural and imprescriptible rights.

Article 3 locates the principle of sovereignty in the nation rather than in a monarch, estate or individual.

Article 4 defines liberty through freedom of action bounded by the equal rights of others and limits established by law.

Article 5 limits legal prohibitions to actions harmful to society and rejects compulsion unsupported by law.

Article 6 describes law as the expression of the general will and affirms equal access to public office according to capacity.

Article 7 rejects accusation, arrest or detention except in cases and forms established by law.

Article 8 requires penalties to be strictly necessary and based on a law established before the offence.

Article 9 establishes the presumption of innocence and condemns unnecessary harshness during arrest.

The Constituent Assembly begins voting on the declaration article by article.

The Assembly completes the article-by-article voting that produces the seventeen-article declaration.

The Governor of Paris is bayonetted to death by the mob.

The Constituent Assembly decides to prepare a Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen before completing the constitution.

Tipu Sultan attacks the Travancore defensive lines, helping trigger the Third Anglo-Mysore War.

Deputies feared the Great Fear would spread and threaten property, increasing pressure for a political response.

In the first days of August, the Bretons planned to rise in the Assembly and renounce certain feudal dues. This task was assigned to the Duke of Aiguillon, a radical nobleman, and Viscount de Noailles, a veteran of the American Revolutionary War

Liberal deputies from the Breton Club (the forerunner to the Jacobin movement) believed the peasants could only be calmed by a grand gesture from the Assembly, such as a partial surrender of feudal rights.

News of this rural violence electrified discussions among deputies of the Assembly. Dominated as they were by members of the bourgeoisie and liberal nobility, the majority of deputies were concerned that the Great Fear would spread further and pose a significant threat to property rights.

The Duke of Aiguillon and the Viscount de Noailles were assigned to propose renunciation of selected feudal dues.

With no means of suppressing the peasants by force, the Assembly's only avenue was to pacify them.

Artwork was produced and medallions struck to commemorate the event

Paris Mayor Jean-Sylvain Bailly declared that 'gthe National Assembly achieved more for the people in a few hours than the wisest and most enlightened nations had done for many centuries¿.

The August Decrees abolished tithes and other privileges, drawing the peasantry more directly into the Revolution.

The August Decrees created fundamental change across the breadth of the nation. They stripped away the domination and privilege of the nobility, creating a society based on individualism, equality and merit.

The abolition of the tithe halved the income of the Church. The peasantry, previously kept at arm¿s length from the revolution, were now part of it. The Assembly¿s deputies were hailed as heroes and praised for their self sacrifice.

The response from the revolutionaries was as euphoric as the mood in the Assembly on August 4th.

Any kind of tithes, as well as any substitution for them are abolished. All seigneurial justices are abolished with no compensation.

Contemporary reports described collapsing tax collection, feudal dues and local authority as unrest spread through parts of France.

It was reportedly prompted by the reading of a report on the misery and disorder which prevailed in the provinces.

Reports from the provinces described attacks on chateaux, convents and farms, reinforcing pressure for the Assembly's August reforms.

Selling judicial and municipal offices is abolished, justice should be dispensed freely & all such magistrates are to do their duty until further instructions from the National Assembly.

Selling judicial and municipal offices is abolished, justice should be dispensed freely and all such magistrates are to do their duty until further instructions from the National Assembly.

The Assembly responded to the crisis by abolishing several long-standing privileges and abuses.

The abolition of the feudal system took place during the famous night session of the National Assembly on August 4th 1789.

The report declares that 'g Letters from all the provinces indicate that property of all kinds is a prey to the most criminal violence. on all sides chateaux are being burned, convents destroyed, and farms abandoned to pillage.

This record states: The taxes, the feudal dues, all are extinct. the laws are without force, and the magistrates without authority." With the hope of pacifying and encouraging the people, the Assembly, in a fervour of enthusiasm and excitement.

This record states: straightway abolished many of the ancient abuses.

Crowds of women appear in front of the King who then accepts the August decrees

Crowds of women appear in front of the King who then accepts the August decrees.

The Assembly begins abolishing feudal privileges on the night of 4 August, clearing the way for a declaration based on legal equality.

Barere supports freedom of the press during the constitutional debates that precede adoption of the Declaration of Rights.

Barnave supports adoption of a declaration that can teach citizens the principles of political liberty.

As commander of the Paris National Guard, Lafayette ordered the demolition of the captured Bastille.

Castellane argues that fundamental rights and liberties should be defined and placed at the head of the constitution.

Louis XVI faced the Assembly's decision to place church property at the disposal of the nation as revolutionary financial reform accelerated.

Talleyrand proposed placing church property at the disposal of the nation to address the state's financial crisis.

Clermont-Tonnerre submits another declaration project as deputies compare competing formulations of fundamental rights.

Louis XVI's authorities closed the National Assembly's usual meeting hall before the royal session, prompting deputies to meet in the tennis court.

Deputies from Brittany meet during the Estates General and create the political network that later develops into the Jacobin Club

Deputies from Brittany meet during the Estates General and create the political network that later develops into the Jacobin Club.

Mirabeau takes part in revolutionary political discussion while the Breton Club attracts wider national attention

Mirabeau takes part in revolutionary political discussion while the Breton Club attracts wider national attention.

Sieyes helped organize the Club Breton, an early political network that later contributed to the Jacobin movement.

Appointed Commander of the National Guard by Louis XVI

Lafayette was appointed Commander of the National Guard by Louis XVI.

Appointed Commander of the National Guard by Louis XVI

Deputies strongly contest the committee's proposed synthesis, forcing the Assembly to seek another drafting basis.

Mirabeau proposed talks with the clergy to encourage union with the Third Estate during the verification dispute.

Louis XVI faced an Assembly that formally declared itself constituent and began drafting a new political order for France.

One of the 3rd Estate who declare a National Assembly

One of the 3rd Estate who declare a National Assembly.

The National Assembly changes its name to the Constituent Assembly. The Constituent Assembly is recognized by the King

The 3rd Estate demands voting by head instead of by Estate

The 3rd Estate demands voting by head instead of by Estate.

The commoners of the 3rd Estate declare themselves to be the National Assembly

Members of the National Assembly swear not to disband until there is a constitution

Members of the National Assembly swear not to disband until there is a constitution

Tennis Court Oath is both a revolutionary act, and an assertion that political authority derived from the people and their representatives rather than from the monarch himself

Tennis Court Oath is both a revolutionary act, and an assertion that political authority derived from the people and their representatives rather than from the monarch himself.

The National Assembly changes its name to the Constituent Assembly. The Constituent Assembly is recognized by the King.

Made suspensive by a vote of the National Assembly carried by 673 votes to 352

Made suspensive by a vote of the National Assembly carried by 673 votes to 352.

The Constituent Assembly is formed, the model for 19th century Liberal Constitutions

The Constituent Assembly is formed, the model for 19th century Liberal Constitutions.

The 3rd Estate, led by Honore Gabriel Riqueti, begin to call themselves the National Assembly

The 3rd Estate, led by Honore Gabriel Riqueti, begin to call themselves the National Assembly.

The deputies pledged to continue to meet until a constitution had been written, despite the royal prohibition. The deputies congregate in a nearby indoor real tennis court & take an oath "not to separate, and to reassembly wherever circumstances require, until the constitution of the Kingdom is established"

The deputies pledged to keep meeting until a constitution was written and took the Tennis Court Oath despite royal opposition.

Emmanuel Joseph Sieyes proposed that the 3rd Estate assume the title of "National Assembly".

Proposes that the 3rd Estate assume the title of "National Assembly"

1st Congress of the US is held in New York

Mounier's constitutional report argues that the new constitution should be preceded by a declaration of fundamental principles.

The Assembly completes the declaration before finishing the detailed constitutional institutions that will govern the new political order.

The Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly. After its meeting hall was closed, deputies regrouped in the nearby Jeu de Paume.

The commoners of the 3rd Estate declare themselves to be the National Assembly. Closes the 3rd Estates meeting place, they re-group at the Louvre tennis court

The adopted declaration makes national sovereignty a constitutional principle and denies independent authority to any individual or corporate body.

The preamble describes the declaration as a statement of natural, inalienable and sacred rights intended to guide government and citizens.

Crowds of women appear in front of the King who then accepts the August decrees

During the mobbing of the Archbishop of Paris the French Guard refuse their duties

During the mobbing of the Archbishop of Paris the French Guard refuse their duties.

The French Guard addresses a crowd at the Palais Royal saying they will not attack

The French Guard addresses a crowd at the Palais Royal saying they will not attack.

5 out of the 6 battalions had deserted & were prominent in the attack on the Bastille

5 out of the 6 battalions had deserted and were prominent in the attack on the Bastille.

Barras spoke in favour of the king and queen during the October crisis at Versailles.

Demeunier is appointed to the five-deputy committee charged with combining the competing declarations of rights.

During the mobbing of the Archbishop of Paris the French Guard refuse their duties

The French Guard address a crowd at the Palais Royal saying they will not attack

The French Guard address a crowd at the Palais Royal saying they will not attack.

A massacre takes place by the Royal-Allemand cavalry on the Place Louis XV

A massacre takes place by the Royal-Allemand cavalry on the Place Louis XV.

Louis XVI took place at St Lazre, the crowd steel quantities of grain, flour and wine.

Takes place at St Lazre, the crowd steel quantities of grain, flour & wine

A "citizens militia" overuns the Invalides & takes 32,000 muskets to keep order

A "citizens militia" overuns the Invalides and takes 32,000 muskets to keep order.

The National cockade is said to have been trampled. Holds a party in Versailles to welcome the Flanders regiment

The National cockade is said to have been trampled. Holds a party in Versailles to welcome the Flanders regiment.

Armed women invade the Nat Assembly to punish those who trampled the National Cockade

Armed women invade the Nat Assembly to punish those who trampled the National Cockade.

Louis XVI left Versailles with the royal family under pressure from the Parisian crowd and National Guard.

Herschel discovers a new moon of Saturn, Enceladus

Herschel discovers a new moon of Saturn, Mimas, only 250 miles in diameter

Has Neckar dismissed in order to create a stronger Government under Baron de Breteuil

Has Neckar dismissed in order to create a stronger Government under Baron de Breteuil.

Parisians react to the dismissal of Neckar by gathering at the Palais Royal

Parisians react to the dismissal of Neckar by gathering at the Palais Royal.

The Army dissolves itself

The Army dissolves itself.

Sieyes submitted a project for a declaration of rights during the Assembly's constitutional debates.

Sieyes was elected as a Paris deputy of the Third Estate to the Estates General.

Talleyrand was elected as a clergy deputy for Autun to the Estates General.

Alexandre de Beauharnais was elected as a noble deputy for the bailliage of Blois to the Estates General.

Lafayette was elected as a noble deputy for Riom and entered the Estates General as a supporter of reform.

Artois electors sent Robespierre to the Estates General as one of their Third Estate representatives.

Chartres electors chose Petion for the Third Estate, beginning his prominent role in the revolutionary assemblies.

Barnave was elected as a Third Estate deputy for Dauphine before the opening of the Estates General.

Bertrand Barere was elected to the Estates General as a Third Estate deputy for Bigorre.

Louis XVI issued regulations governing elections and the preparation of grievance lists for the forthcoming Estates General.

The 3rd Estate meets for the 1st time since 1614. The 3rd Estate demands voting by head instead of by Estate. The Estates General was organized into three estates, respectively: the clergy, the nobility, and the rest of France

The 3rd Estate meets for the 1st time since 1614. The 3rd Estate demands voting by head instead of by Estate. The Estates General was organized into three estates, respectively: the clergy, the nobility, and the rest of France.

The Estates General opened the revolutionary year that produced the National Assembly, Tennis Court Oath, Bastille uprising and Declaration of Rights.

The Estates General opens the revolutionary process that leads to the National Assembly and the Declaration of Rights.

Louis XVI took part in the ceremonial procession preceding the formal opening of the Estates General at Versailles.

The Assembly appoints a five-member committee to compare the submitted declaration projects and prepare a common text.

After the royal family is brought to Paris the Breton network begins meeting near the Jacobin convent in Paris

After the royal family is brought to Paris the Breton network begins meeting near the Jacobin convent in Paris.

Robespierre becomes associated with the Society of the Friends of the Constitution as radical political debate grows in Paris

Robespierre becomes associated with the Society of the Friends of the Constitution as radical political debate grows in Paris.

When the Privy Council report was published on 25 April 1789, it was finally time for Wilberforce to make his delayed entry into the Parliamentary campaign, after months of planning Wilberforce makes his first major speech on the subject of abolition

In the first days of August, the Bretons planned to rise in the Assembly and renounce certain feudal dues. This task was assigned to the Duke of Aiguillon, a radical nobleman, and Viscount de Noailles, a veteran of the American Revolutionary War

Liberal deputies from the Breton Club (the forerunner to the Jacobin movement) believed the peasants could only be calmed by a grand gesture from the Assembly, such as a partial surrender of feudal rights.

News of this rural violence electrified discussions among deputies of the Assembly. Dominated as they were by members of the bourgeoisie and liberal nobility, the majority of deputies were concerned that the Great Fear would spread further and pose a significant threat to property rights.

With no means of suppressing the peasants by force, the Assembly's only avenue was to pacify them.

In most cases these unruly peasants were responding to rumours that royalist bandits or mercenaries were sweeping the countryside. The weeks of revolt and destruction in rural areas that followed became known as the Great Fear (French, Grande Peur)

In most cases these unruly peasants were responding to rumours that royalist bandits or mercenaries were sweeping the countryside. The weeks of revolt and destruction in rural areas that followed became known as the Great Fear (French, Grande Peur).

In the worst areas peasants assaulted or chased away the owners of seigneurial rights, seized and burned feudal records and even burned down chateaux owned by noblemen.

The Great Fear spread peasant unrest across France and helped drive the Assembly toward the August reforms.

The context for the Assembly'gs August 4th reforms was the Great Fear: a disconnected but widespread series of peasant uprisings across France. From late July thousands of peasants had run amok in the countryside, disrupting work, intimidating property owners and causing some damage.

Takes the oath of office on the balcony of Frederick Hall, New York

The name "Jacobins", given in France to the Dominicans (because their first house in Paris was in the Rue St Jacques), was first applied to the club in ridicule by its enemies. After the March on Versailles in October 1789, the club, still entirely composed of deputies, followed the National Constituent Assembly to Paris, where it rented the refectory of the monastery of the Jacobins in the Rue Saint-Honor‚

Jefferson discusses Lafayette's proposed declaration and provides comments during preparation of the July draft.

Jefferson annotates a surviving version of Lafayette's draft while the French declaration project is still being developed.

Olympe de Gouges asked the royal censor for permission to publish a Journal du peuple during the Estates General.

The evolving constitutional settlement recast Louis XVI as King of the French rather than ruler solely by dynastic right.

Desmoulins wrote La France Libre, a radical pamphlet attacking the political structure of the old regime.

La Luzerne joins the committee assigned to examine and consolidate the proposed declarations.

Lafayette argues that a concise declaration should guide constitutional institutions by stating enduring principles of natural and social rights.

Lafayette presents his draft Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen to the National Assembly.

The Assembly decides to use the projects of Lafayette, Sieyes and the Sixth Bureau as the principal basis for renewed drafting.

Lally-Tollendal submits a proposed declaration of rights during the early constitutional drafting process.

Olympe de Gouges addressed the Duke of Orleans while pressing her political reform agenda during the early Revolution.

Appointed Commander of a detachment of his regiment

Placed in charge of a detachment in Seure

Joins his regiment in Auxonne

Louis XVI accepts the Declaration of Rights after pressure from the Assembly and crowds gathered at Versailles.

Malouet argues that public order should be restored before the Assembly adopts an abstract declaration of rights.

Lafayette led National Guard units to Versailles during the October Days and worked to protect the royal family.

Mirabeau called for the dismissal of ministers associated with the royal military concentration around Paris.

Mirabeau presents the committee's synthesis of the submitted rights projects to the Assembly.

The military Governor of Paris brings in troops to defend the French capital city. The military Governor of Paris brings in extra troops to defend the French capital

The military Governor of Paris brings in troops to defend the French capital city. The military Governor of Paris brings in extra troops to defend the French capital.

Sieyes proposed that verified representatives declare themselves the national representatives, helping drive the Third Estate toward a new national assembly.

Mounier remains cautious about issuing a declaration before the constitutional framework has been fully designed.

One of the 3rd Estate who declare a National Assembly

The National Assembly changes its name to the Constituent Assembly

The commoners of the 3rd Estate declare themselves to be the National Assembly

The commoners of the 3rd Estate declare themselves to be the National Assembly

The 3rd Estate, led by Honore Gabriel Riqueti, begin to call themselves the National Assembly

The 3rd Estate, led by Honore Gabriel Riqueti, begin to call themselves the National Assembly.

Members of the National Assembly swear not to disband until there is a constitution

Members of the National Assembly swear not to disband until there is a constitution

The National Assembly changes its name to the Constituent Assembly.

The National Assembly abolished the feudal system and judicial privileges, preparing the way for wider constitutional reforms.

Made suspensive by a vote of the National Assembly carried by 673 votes to 352

Armed women invade the National Assembly calling for bread

Armed women invade the National Assembly calling for bread.

Addresses the National Assembly demanding withrawal of troops called up by de Broglie

Mirabeau addressed the National Assembly demanding withrawal of troops called up by de Broglie.

The 3rd Estate, led by Honore Gabriel Riqueti, begin to call themselves the National Assembly

Proposes that the 3rd Estate assume the title of "National Assembly"

After the March on Versailles in October 1789, the club, still entirely composed of deputies, followed the National Constituent Assembly to Paris, where it rented the refectory of the monastery of the Jacobins in the Rue Saint-Honor‚

The National Guard, a citizens militia, is formed which wears the tricolour cockade

The National Guard, a citizens militia, is formed which wears the tricolour cockade.

The National Guard is commanded by Lafayette. Announces the creation of the National Guard formed from the "citizens militia"

The National Guard is commanded by Lafayette. Announces the creation of the National Guard formed from the "citizens militia".

Members of the National Assembly swear not to disband until there is a constitution

Louis XVI faced the arrival of large Parisian crowds at Versailles demanding bread and political concessions.

Louis XVI opened the Estates General and called on the assembled deputies to help resolve the kingdom's financial crisis.

Louis XVI ordered the deputies to leave the hall after the royal session, but the National Assembly refused to disperse.

Desmoulins addressed crowds at the Palais Royal and helped mobilize Parisians after news of Necker's dismissal.

Brissot entered the first Paris municipal council during the political transformation following the Bastille's fall.

Brissot founded the Patriote francais, using journalism to promote revolutionary political ideas.

Petion supports explicit legal protection for freedom of the press while the Assembly debates civil liberties.

Procession by the market women of Paris to petition the King in Versailles

Procession by the market women of Paris to petition the King in Versailles.

Barere published the Point du Jour to report and interpret the proceedings of the revolutionary assemblies.

Bailly presided over the revolutionary assembly as the Third Estate transformed itself into a national representative body.

Bailly presided when deputies gathered in the tennis court and pledged to continue meeting until a constitution was established.

Barere supported freedom of the press during early constitutional debates in the National Assembly.

Petion supported explicit legal protection for freedom of the press during debates on civil liberties.

Mirabeau protests suppression of his Journal des Etats Generaux and argues for freedom of the press.

Mirabeau protested the suppression of his Journal des Etats Generaux and defended freedom of the press.

Louis XVI issued letters patent giving legal effect to major August decrees that dismantled privileges and feudal institutions.

Louis XVI accepted constitutional provisions presented by the Assembly while crowds gathered at Versailles.

Louis XVI refused to accept the Third Estate's unilateral transformation into a National Assembly.

Joins the Corsican revolutionary movements. Engages in revolutionary movements in Corsica

Engages in revolutionary movements in Corsica

Napoleon I engaged in revolutionary movements in Corsica.

Engages in revolutionary movements in Corsica

Armed women invade the National Assembly calling for bread

As mayor of Paris, Bailly formally received Louis XVI at the Hotel de Ville after the fall of the Bastille.

Redon joins the five-member committee established to produce a unified declaration draft.

Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord Benevente proposed to issue assignats to be payed for by the confiscation of Church property.

Proposes to issue assignats to be payed for by the confiscation of Church property

The 3rd Estate demands voting by head instead of by Estate

The 3rd Estate demands voting by head instead of by Estate.

Robespierre spoke during debates on rights and religious liberty as the Assembly shaped the Declaration of Rights.

The final declaration protects religious opinions but makes their public exercise subject to legally defined public order.

The National Assembly acclaimed Louis XVI as restorer of French liberty during the night when privilege was dismantled.

Desmoulins launched his political periodical Revolutions de France et de Brabant to attack aristocracy, clergy and monarchy.

Debate over the declaration gives way temporarily to the dramatic abolition of feudal privileges during the August night session.

Despite the declaration's equality language, subsequent electoral rules distinguish active from passive citizens and restrict political participation.

Robespierre participates in debate over religious liberty as the Assembly shapes the final Declaration of Rights.

Louis XVI offered reforms during the royal session while preserving important privileges and the traditional distinction between the three orders.

Louis XVI addressed the deputies in a royal session and attempted to restore separate deliberation by the three orders.

Mirabeau resisted the royal order to disperse after the Royal Session, symbolizing the Assembly's refusal to retreat.

Petion proposed describing Louis XVI as king of the French by consent of the nation rather than by divine grace.

Louis XVI announced the withdrawal of troops from the Paris region after the fall of the Bastille transformed the political situation.

Louis XVI visited Paris after the fall of the Bastille and publicly accepted the authority of the new municipal leadership.

Takes part in the capture of the Bastille

The Parisians storm the Bastille

The fall of the Bastille is followed by a mass uproar spreading from Paris to the countryside, Noble families are attacked and aristocratic manors are burned to the ground. The Bastille surrenders to the "citizens militia"

Forced to reinstate Neckar after the fall of the Bastille

A "citizens militia" overuns the Invalides & takes 32,000 muskets to keep order

Addresses the National Assembly demanding withrawal of troops called up by de Broglie

Sieyes presents a project for a declaration of rights during the Constituent Assembly's constitutional debates.

The Assembly adopts most provisions of the Sixth Bureau project as the immediate basis for article-by-article debate.

Wilberforce draws on Thomas Clarksons evidence in the Commons, he describes in detail the appalling conditions in which slaves travelled from Africa

Wilberforce draws on Thomas Clarksons evidence in the Commons, he describes in detail the appalling conditions in which slaves travelled from Africa. When the Privy Council report was published on 25 April 1789, it was finally time for Wilberforce to make his delayed entry into the Parliamentary campaign, after months of planning Wilberforce makes his first major speech on the subject of abolition

Barras participated in the revolutionary events surrounding the storming of the Bastille in Paris.

Mirabeau supported Sieyes's proposal that the verified deputies constitute themselves as representatives of the nation.

Lafayette supported Mirabeau's demand that troops concentrated around Paris and Versailles be withdrawn.

The Constituent Assembly granted Louis XVI only a suspensive veto, limiting the king's ability to block ordinary legislation.

Tennis Court Oath is both a revolutionary act, and an assertion that political authority derived from the people and their representatives rather than from the monarch himself

Tennis Court Oath, pledge signed by 576 out of the 577 members from the 3rd Estate who were locked out of a meeting of the Estates General on 20 June 1789 in a tennis court.

The Tennis Court Oath became a defining act in the Third Estate’s transformation into a national representative body.

on Versailles.

Tennis Court Oath is both a revolutionary act, and an assertion that political authority derived from the people and their representatives rather than from the monarch himself.

The deputies congregate in a nearby indoor real tennis court and take an oath "not to separate, and to reassembly wherever circumstances require, until the constitution of the Kingdom is established."

The deputies congregate in a nearby indoor real tennis court and take an oath "not to separate, and to reassembly wherever circumstances require, until the constitution of the Kingdom is established.".

The deputies pledged to continue to meet until a constitution had been written, despite the royal prohibition.

Sieyes helped formulate the oath by which deputies pledged not to separate until France had a constitution.

The 3rd Estate meets for the 1st time since 1614. The 3rd Estate demands voting by head instead of by Estate

The 3rd Estate meets for the 1st time since 1614. The 3rd Estate demands voting by head instead of by Estate.

The 3rd Estate demands voting by head instead of by Estate

The French Revolution began in 1789 with the convocation of the Estates General

The Third Estate’s challenge to the old order produced the National Assembly and a sequence of major revolutionary reforms.

The commoners of the 3rd Estate declare themselves to be the National Assembly

The Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly. After its meeting hall was closed, deputies regrouped in the nearby Jeu de Paume.

The commoners of the 3rd Estate declare themselves to be the National Assembly. Closes the 3rd Estates meeting place, they re-group at the Louvre tennis court

The 3rd Estate, led by Honore Gabriel Riqueti, begin to call themselves the National Assembly

Tennis Court Oath, pledge signed by 576 out of the 577 members from the 3rd Estate who were locked out of a meeting of the Estates General on 20 June 1789 in a tennis court.

The revolutionary year saw the Tennis Court Oath, the Bastille uprising, the Declaration of Rights and the October march on Versailles.

This record states: of the Citizen in August, and a march on Versailles.

The 3rd Estate, led by Honore Gabriel Riqueti, begin to call themselves the National Assembly

Proposes that the 3rd Estate assume the title of "National Assembly"

The Third Estate's transformation into the National Assembly leads toward constitutional reform and the August Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

Sieyes opposed immediate abolition of clerical tithes without compensation during the August debates on privilege.

Louis XVI was transferred to the Tuileries Palace, placing the monarchy close to the Assembly and under Parisian surveillance.

Appears at the Hotel de Ville wearing the Red & Blue of Paris & the Bourbon White

Appears at the Hotel de Ville wearing the Red and Blue of Paris and the Bourbon White.

Tronchet is appointed to the committee reviewing the legal wording of the various rights projects.

Mirabeau demanded the withdrawal of troops concentrated around Paris and Versailles during the escalating July crisis.

Louis XVI ordered the remaining clergy and nobility to join the National Assembly, ending separate deliberation by the orders.

Beauharnais was among the noble deputies who joined the Third Estate during the transformation of the Estates General.

Talleyrand joined deputies of the Third Estate as the representative orders moved toward a single national assembly.

Lafayette's draft reflects principles associated with the Virginia Declaration of Rights and his experience of the American Revolution.

Beauharnais voted for abolition of privilege, legal equality and equal eligibility for public office during the August reforms.

Sieyes published "Qu'est-ce que le Tiers-Etat?", arguing that the Third Estate represented the nation.

The Governor of Paris is bayonetted to death by the mob

Suvarov advances & forces the Turks to withdraw to the Danube. Helps defeat the Turks in Moldova & Wallachia

Helps defeat the Turks in Moldova & Wallachia

Suvarov advances & forces the Turks to withdraw to the Danube

Fights at the Battle of Oland

Defeats Yusuf Pahas main army