When was Louis XVI executed during the French Revolution?
Louis XVI was executed on the 21st of January 1793. This event transformed the constitutional crisis into a radical republic and marked the moment the French Revolution became irreversible.
Common questions about French Revolution
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What happened on the 14th of July 1789 in France?
The Storming of the Bastille occurred on the 14th of July 1789. The fortress held only seven prisoners yet its fall became the iconic symbol of the end of royal tyranny and the start of the Revolution.
Who led the Reign of Terror in the French Revolution?
Maximilien Robespierre led the Montagnards during the Reign of Terror which lasted from September 1793 to July 1794. He ordered the execution of Danton on the 5th of April 1794 and was himself executed on the 28th of July 1794.
When did the French Revolution officially end?
The French Revolution ended on the 9th of November 1799 with the coup of 18 Brumaire. This event marked the beginning of the Consulate with Napoleon Bonaparte as First Consul.
What caused the economic crisis in France before 1789?
The economic crisis was caused by a financial situation that consumed half of the state's revenue by 1788 combined with catastrophic harvests in 1787 and 1788. This created high unemployment and soaring food prices while the population swelled from 21 to 28 million.
How many people were executed during the Reign of Terror?
Around 16,600 people were executed on charges of counter-revolutionary activity during the Reign of Terror. Another 40,000 may have been summarily executed or died awaiting trial.