The French Revolution (1789–1799) — Interactive Timeline
How “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” toppled a king and changed the idea of citizenship forever — a key Class 9 chapter.
TL;DR: How “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” toppled a king and changed the idea of citizenship forever — a key Class 9 chapter.
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The French Revolution (1789–1799) (Class 9): How “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” toppled a king and changed the idea of citizenship forever — a key Class 9 chapter. This interactive timeline covers 7 key events from 1789 – 1799.
Why it matters: The French Revolution is a full NCERT Class 9 chapter; its causes, events and legacy are frequently tested.
The French Revolution (1789–1799) — Timeline of Key Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1789 | Storming of the Bastille. On 14 July, an angry Paris crowd stormed the Bastille prison — a symbol of royal tyranny. This is seen as the start of the Revolution. |
| 1789 | Declaration of the Rights of Man. The National Assembly proclaimed rights such as liberty, equality and freedom of speech, and abolished feudal privileges. |
| 1791 | A constitution & limited monarchy. France became a constitutional monarchy that limited the powers of King Louis XVI and gave law-making power to an elected Assembly. |
| 1792 | France becomes a republic. The monarchy was abolished and France was declared a republic. All adult men gained the right to vote. |
| 1793 | Execution of the king & the Reign of Terror. Louis XVI was executed. Under Robespierre, the “Reign of Terror” saw thousands guillotined as “enemies of the republic”. |
| 1794 | Fall of Robespierre. Robespierre was himself arrested and guillotined, ending the Terror. A more moderate government (the Directory) took over. |
| 1799 | Rise of Napoleon. Napoleon Bonaparte seized power, ending the revolutionary period — but revolutionary ideas of liberty and nationalism spread across Europe and the world. |
Quick Recap — Dates to Remember
- 1789: Storming of the Bastille
- 1789: Declaration of the Rights of Man
- 1791: A constitution & limited monarchy
- 1792: France becomes a republic
- 1793: Execution of the king & the Reign of Terror
- 1794: Fall of Robespierre
- 1799: Rise of Napoleon
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