French Revolution
May 5, 1789 – November 9, 1799
Revolution that overthrew the French monarchy, abolished feudal privilege and made France a republic. It spread ideas of popular sovereignty and rights across Europe and ended with Napoleon's coup in 1799.
Battles 4
July 14, 1789
January 21, 1793
September 5, 1793 – July 28, 1794
November 9–10, 1799
Battle sites 4
- Storming of the Bastille Bastille, Paris · 48.8532, 2.3691
- Execution of Louis XVI Place de la Révolution, Paris · 48.8656, 2.3212
- Reign of Terror Paris · 48.8566, 2.3522
- Coup of 18 Brumaire Saint-Cloud · 48.8049, 2.1204
Key commanders
Other 5
Louis XVI
King of France, Called the Estates-General; deposed in 1792 and executed in 1793 · 1754–1793
Marie Antoinette
Queen of France, Symbol of the old regime; executed in October 1793 · 1755–1793
Maximilien Robespierre
Member of the Committee of Public Safety, Leading Jacobin and the dominant figure of the Terror · 1758–1794
Georges Danton
Minister of Justice, Rallied Paris in 1792 and led the early Committee of Public Safety · 1759–1794
Napoleon
General, Led the coup and became First Consul · 1769–1821