The French Revolution

The French Revolution lasted from 1789 to the late 1790's.  The revolution was influenced by the ideas of Enlightenment.  The revolution did not complete all of its goals and it was a very horrific time.  While looking at the photo gallery, I learned that during King Louis XVI's reign the country's finances began to fall apart.  It was part of some reasoning for the French Revolution.  But, the start of the revolution was during the fall of the Bastille (July 14, 1789).  Protesting against King Louis XVI, a group of Parisian revolutionaries seized the Bastille prison.  King Louis XVI was executed on January 21, 1793 for high treason and crimes against the state.  What I found randomly interesting was that in all of history I never heard of beheading women.  Everytime I would watch the history channel I would always see men being beheaded.  I actually thought that they did not behead women.  That is until I saw the picture of Marie Antoinette's execution.  

After the Kings execution the French Revolution got to its upmost violent times.  The reign of terror, a ten month period of bloody chaos.  Apparently, in June 1793, a new calender was established.  (Interesting.)  As the French Revolution ended, power was handed over to a five member directory.  Which was appointed by Parliament.  The royales protested this but were silenced by the army.  The army was now led by Napoleon Bonaparte.  (1769-1821)  The directory's four years in power were not the best.  It was almost chaotic.  They had to rely on the military to maintain power.  Most of their authority was handed over to the generals.