Important events in the history of France. Great dates in French history
People inhabited the territory of France even, presumably, 1.8 million years ago. In France, since the Paleolithic era, there are many cave paintings. The first colony in France was founded by the Greeks in 600 BC. in the city then called Massalia, now called Marseille.
The spread of the Celtic tribes of the Gauls in France took place between the fifth and third centuries BC, during which most of borders of modern France. Then this territory was known as Gaul, and its inhabitants, the Gauls, were at enmity with the Romans until the Romans captured southern part their countries (Provence) in 125 BC.
The Franks, an ancient German pagan tribe from which the name "France" derives, settled in Gaul and later conquered it, dividing the territory into four regions for the sons of the Frankish king Clovis I. These kingdoms were subsequently united by Charles I the Great.
France played important role during the Crusades between 1095 and 1291.
Between 1337 and 1453, a series of conflicts took place between France and England, called the "Hundred Years' War", after which there were several civil wars, called the "front", at the same time there was a war with Spain, between 1635 and 1659.
During the time of European exploration, France founded a colony in the New World. Led by Louis XV Seven Years' War(1756-1763) in the New World ended with the loss of territories New France, and their conquest by Britain. As a result, France became the main ally of the American colonists during the American Revolution fighting for independence from Britain, which eventually led to the Peace of Paris in 1783.
Between 1789 and 1799, the Great French Revolution took place, culminating in the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, as a result of which absolute monarchy ended in France and a constitutional monarchy appeared. The French Revolutionary Wars began in 1792, the same year France became a republic. King Louis XVI was executed in 1793 for treason, as was his wife, Marie Antoinette.
In 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte came to power in the Republic, who later became emperor. The French Empire began to conquer Europe, under the leadership of Napoleon, until his defeat in 1815.
During the nineteenth century, France became the second largest colonial power of all time, with colonies in North America, Southeast Asia, North, West, and Central Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands. Many of these colonies are still part of the French Republic. France played an important role in both World War I and World War II, and was a founding member of NATO in 1949.
From the Caroline Empire in the Middle Ages, the "Kingdom of France" stands out. The Middle Ages bring decentralization to the country. The power of the princes in the XI century reaches its climax. Since 987 Hugh Capet founded the Capetian dynasty. The Capetian rule opens the gates for religious wars. The king's vassals seize territories outside France. The most significant was the Norman conquest of England by William I the Conqueror. The Battle of Hastings was immortalized in the Bayeux Tapestry.
Philip II Augustus (1180-1223) does a lot for his country. Thanks to Philip II, the University of Paris was founded, and the construction of Notre Dame Cathedral continued. He begins the construction of the Louvre. In the time of Philip, it was a castle-fortress.
At the end of the XII century, the economy of France slowly begins to rise, industry develops, centralization of power takes place, which allowed the country to defeat England and complete the unification of its lands. In the 12th-13th centuries, a number of architectural structures were built that became national monuments of France. One of them - Reims Cathedral - a prime example gothic architecture. In 1239 Saint Louis brought the Crown of Thorns from Venice. To store this relic, the Saint-Chapelle chapel is being built.
With the death of the last descendant of the Capetians, a conflict between the houses of the Valois and the Plantagenets for the succession to the throne began.
The Valois family on the throne of the French Empire (1328-1589)
During this period, the military actions of the country occupy a central place. The Hundred Years War begins. King Edward III of England after the death of Charles IV decides to seize the French throne by force. France is a loser: the battle of Poitiers deprives the country of the colors of chivalry, King John the Good is taken prisoner.
France is at an impasse: no army, no king, no money. The entire burden of the situation that has arisen falls on the shoulders of ordinary Frenchmen. The people have risen: Paris is in revolt, Jacquerie. The uprisings were suppressed. The British decide to take Orleans to open the way to the south of France.
The Virgin of Orleans, Joan of Arc, leads the French army and in 1429 defeats the British near Orleans. She convinced the Dauphin to undergo a coronation ceremony in the cathedral in the Rhine under the name of Charles VII. After 2 years in Rouen, Jeanne dies at the stake in agony. The French people dedicated more than one architectural structure of this courageous girl... For example, the statue of Jeanne is also located in the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, which is located on the hill of Montmartre.
Only in 1453 did the confrontation of the dynasties end with the victory of the Valois, which strengthened the French monarchy. For a long and painful 116 years, the struggle between the two powers for territory and the throne lasted. France becomes a colonial empire, powerful and strong. In the second half of the XVIII century, the country will lose its positions on all counts.
From Louis to Louis
In the meantime, in the XV - XVII centuries kings replace each other, ruling the country by virtue of their capabilities and abilities. Under Louis XI (1461-1483), the country expanded its territory, science and art flourished, medicine developed, and the post office started working again. It is he who makes the famous and formidable dungeon - the Bastille - out of the fortress.
He is replaced by Louis XII (1498-1515), then the reins of government of the country are with Francis I (1515-1547). Under him, a beautiful Renaissance palace was built in the vicinity of Fontainebleau. Soon the palace was overgrown with buildings around, and a whole city was formed. The palace is decorated with three gardens: the Grand Parterre, the English Garden and Diana's Garden.
The next ruler of the country was Henry II (1547-1559), who became famous for increasing taxes. His life was cut short on the Place des Vosges during a tournament in 1559.
Under his son, Francis II, the Huguenots protest against taxation. The reign of Charles IX (1560-1574) plunges the country into religious wars. In fact, the power was in the hands of Catherine de Medici (it was she who became one of the mistresses of the "Ladies' Castle" - the Chenonceau castle on the Cher River), in which Catholics and Protestants already openly expressed their intransigence towards each other.
Ten wars have passed in three decades. The most terrible page in them was the Bartholomew night from August 23 to 24, 1572, the mass extermination of the Huguenots on the day of St. Bartholomew. One of the best historical television series is “Queen Margo”, where these events are colorfully and authentically shown.
The history of France, which is located in the very center of Europe, began long before the appearance of permanent human settlements. Convenient physical and geographical position, proximity to the seas, rich reserves natural resources contributed to France throughout its history being the "locomotive" of the European continent. And such a country remains now. Occupying a leading position in the European Union, the UN and NATO, the French Republic remains in the 21st century a state whose history is being created every day.
Location
The country of the Franks, if the name of France is translated from Latin, is located in Western Europe. The neighbors of this romantic and beautiful country are Belgium, Germany, Andorra, Spain, Luxembourg, Monaco, Switzerland, Italy and Spain. The shores of France are washed by the warm Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The territory of the republic is covered with mountains, plains, beaches, forests. Numerous natural monuments, historical, architectural, cultural sights, ruins of castles, caves, fortresses are hidden among the picturesque nature.
Celtic period
In the 2nd millennium BC. e. Celtic tribes came to the lands of the modern French Republic, whom the Romans called the Gauls. These tribes became the core of the formation of the future French nation. The territory of the Gauls or Celts was called by the Romans Gaul, which was part of the Roman Empire as a separate province.
In the 7th-6th centuries. BC, the Phoenicians and Greeks from Asia Minor sailed to Gaul on ships, who founded on the coast mediterranean sea colonies. Now in their place there are cities such as Nice, Antibes, Marseille.
Between 58 and 52 BC, Gaul was captured by the Roman soldiers of Julius Caesar. The result of more than 500 years of rule was the complete Romanization of the population of Gaul.
During the Roman domination, other important events in the history of the peoples of the future France:
- In the 3rd century AD, Christianity penetrated into Gaul and began to spread.
- The invasion of the Franks, who conquered the Gauls. After the Franks came the Burgundians, Alemanni, Visigoths and Huns, who completely put an end to Roman rule.
- The Franks gave names to the peoples who lived in Gaul, created the first state here, laid the first dynasty.
The territory of France, even before our era, became one of the centers of constant migration flows that passed from north to south, from west to east. All these tribes left their mark on the development of Gaul, and the Gauls adopted elements of various cultures. But it was the Franks who had the greatest influence, who managed not only to expel the Romans, but to create their own kingdom in Western Europe.
The first rulers of the Frankish kingdom
Humanism was of particular importance for architecture, which is clearly seen in the castles built in the Loire Valley. Castles, which were built in this part of the country in order to protect the kingdom, began to turn into luxurious palaces. They were decorated with rich stucco and decor, the interior was changed, which was distinguished by luxury.
Also under Francis the First, typography arose and began to develop, which had a huge impact on the formation of the French language, including the literary one.
Francis I was replaced on the throne by his son Henry II, who became the ruler of the kingdom in 1547. The policy of the new king was remembered by his contemporaries for successful military campaigns, including against England. One of the battles that is written about in all the history books of 16th-century France took place near Calais. No less famous are the battles of the British and French near Verdun, Tul, Metz, which Henry recaptured from the Holy Roman Empire.
Heinrich was married to Catherine de Medici, who belonged to the famous Italian family of bankers. The queen ruled the country when her three sons were on the throne:
- Francis II,
- Charles the Ninth
- Henry III.
Francis ruled for only a year, and then died of an illness. He was succeeded by Charles the Ninth, who was ten years old at the time of his coronation. His mother was in complete control. Charles was remembered as a zealous champion of Catholicism. He constantly persecuted the Protestants, called the Huguenots.
On the night of August 23-24, 1572, Charles the Ninth gave the order to purge all the Huguenots in France. This event was named because the murders took place on the eve of St. Bartholomew. Two years after the massacre, Charles died and Henry the Third became king. His opponent in the struggle for the throne was Henry of Navarre, but he was not chosen because he was a Huguenot, which did not suit most of the nobles and nobility.
France in the 17th–19th centuries
These centuries were very turbulent for the kingdom. The main events include the following:
- In 1598, the Edict of Nantes, which was issued by Henry the Fourth, finished in France. The Huguenots became full members of French society.
- France took an active part in the first international conflict - the Thirty Years' War of 1618-1648.
- The kingdom experienced its golden age in the 17th century. under the reign of Louis XIII and, as well as gray cardinals - Richelieu and Mazarin.
- The nobles constantly fought with the royal power for the expansion of their rights.
- France 17th century constantly faced with dynastic strife and internecine wars, which undermined the state from the inside.
- Louis XIV dragged the state into the War of the Spanish Succession, which caused an invasion foreign countries to French territory.
- Kings Louis the Fourteenth and his great-grandson Louis the Fifteenth paid great attention to the creation strong army, which allowed for successful military campaigns against Spain, Prussia and Austria.
- At the end of the 18th century in France began, which caused the liquidation of the monarchy, the establishment of a dictatorship.
- In the early 19th century, Napoleon proclaimed France an empire.
- In the 1830s An attempt was made to restore the monarchy, which lasted until 1848.
In 1848, in France, as in other countries of Western and Central Europe, a revolution broke out, which was called the "Spring of Nations". The revolutionary 19th century resulted in the establishment of the Second Republic in France, which lasted until 1852.
Second half of the 19th century was no less exciting than the first. The Republic was overthrown, replaced by the dictatorship of Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, who ruled until 1870.
The empire was replaced by the Paris Commune, which brought about the establishment of the Third Republic. It existed until 1940. At the end of the 19th century. the country's leadership pursued an active foreign policy, creating new ones in different regions of the world:
- in North Africa,
- Madagascar
- equatorial africa,
- West Africa.
During the 80–90s. 19th century France constantly competed with Germany. The contradictions between the states deepened and escalated, which caused the separation of countries from each other. France found allies in England and Russia, which contributed to the formation of the Entente.
Features of development in the 20th–21st centuries
Started in 1914. First World War became a chance for France to regain the lost Alsace and Lorraine. Germany, under the Treaty of Versailles, was forced to give this region back to the republic, as a result of which the borders and territory of France acquired modern outlines.
In the interwar period, the country actively participated in the work of the Paris Conference, fought for spheres of influence in Europe. Therefore, she actively participated in the actions of the Entente countries. In particular, together with Britain, she sent her ships to Ukraine in 1918 to fight against the Austrians and Germans, who helped the government of the Ukrainian People's Republic drive the Bolsheviks out of their territory.
With the participation of France were signed peace treaties with Bulgaria and Romania, who supported Germany in the First World War.
In the mid 1920s. diplomatic relations were established with Soviet Union signed a non-aggression pact with the leadership of this country. Fearing the strengthening of the fascist regime in Europe and the activation of ultra-right organizations in the republic, France tried to create military-political alliances with European states. But this did not save France from the German attack in May 1940. Within a few weeks, the Wehrmacht troops captured and occupied all of France, establishing the pro-fascist Vichy regime in the republic.
The country was liberated in 1944 by the underground movement, the allied armies of the US and Britain.
The Second World War hit hard on the political, social and economic life of France. The Marshall Plan helped to get out of the crisis, the country's participation in the economic European integration processes, which in the early 1950s. deployed in Europe. In the mid 1950s. France gave up colonial possessions in Africa, providing former colonies independence.
Political and economic life stabilized during the presidency, which led France in 1958. Under him, the Fifth Republic was proclaimed in France. De Gaulle made the country a leader on the European continent. Progressive laws were passed that changed public life republics. In particular, women received the right to vote, study, choose professions, create their own organizations and movements.
In 1965, for the first time, the country elected a head of state by universal suffrage. De Gaulle became president, who remained in power until 1969. After him, the presidents in France were:
- Georges Pompidou - 1969-1974;
- Valerie d'Estaing 1974-1981;
- François Mitterrand 1981–1995;
- Jacques Chirac - 1995-2007;
- Nicolas Sarkozy - 2007-2012;
- Francois Hollande - 2012-2017;
- Emmanuel Macron - from 2017 to the present.
France after World War II developed active cooperation with Germany, becoming with it the locomotives of the EU and NATO. Government of the country since the mid-1950s. develops bilateral relations with the USA, Britain, Russia, countries of the Middle East, Asia. The leadership of France provides support to the former colonies in Africa.
Modern France is an actively developing European country, which is a member of many European, international and regional organizations, has an impact on the formation of the world market. There are internal problems in the country, but the well-thought-out successful policy of the government and the new leader of the Republic, Macron, contributes to the development of new methods of combating terrorism, the economic crisis, and the problem of Syrian refugees. France is developing in accordance with global trends, changing social and legal legislation so that both the French and migrants feel comfortable living in France.
1789 - The French Revolution puts an end to the royal unlimited monarchy. The Bastille, a state prison and a symbol of the unlimited power of kings, was taken by the people of Paris on July 14, 1789 and destroyed a little later. There are no more subordinates here, but there are citizens. Established civil equality, proclaimed human rights.
1792 - After passing through the crises and cruelties of this period that followed the revolution, and which was called the era of terror, the government - the National Convention - proclaims the first republic in France.
1804 - Having become emperor under the name Napoleon, Bonaparte proclaims an empire and wages wars against England and European countries. After some famous victories won by the Allied Powers, Napoleon's empire collapses in 1814.
1830 - The Revolution of July 1830 ends with the accession to the throne of the French King Louis Philippe. In memory of these events, a bronze column rises in Place de la Bastille in Paris.
1848 – revolutionary movement in February 1848 led to the proclamation of the second republic, which ended the monarchy of Louis Philippe.
1852-1870 - The second republic was followed by the restoration of the empire. After the authoritarian period, the empire becomes more liberal. The years of the second empire of Napoleon III were a period of material prosperity, rapid development industry and trade. The defeat of France in the war of 1870 ended the era of the second empire.
1870 - France declares war on Prussia. French attempts cannot prevent the surrender of Paris. France loses its territories - Alsace and Lorraine.
1871 - The revolutionary government - the Comunne of Paris - is overthrown by the standing army of Thiers, who brutally suppresses the uprising.
1870-1940 - The political regime that emerged after the capitulation of France in the Franco-Prussian war (3rd Republic) carries out democratic reforms: freedom and the press, secular education, separation of church and state.
1914-1918 - In 1914, France is drawn into the war declared by Germany. In it, she wins, but with heavy losses.
1939-1944 - France declares war on Germany, but Germany in turn invades in May 1940. Part of France is occupied, the government adopts a policy of cooperation with the Germans. General de Gaulle creates the Resistance, which organizes and expands. In 1944, the Allies landed in Normandy and broke through towards Paris, which was liberated on August 25.
1944 - After the liberation of the country, the constitution, adopted by referendum, proclaims the 4th republic.
1958 - After the political and social crisis, the Constitution of the 5th Republic was adopted, which significantly strengthens the authority of President Charles de Gaulle. 1968 - In May, a deep university and social crisis occurs in France. General de Gaulle resigns. Other presidents of the 5th republic: George Pompidou, Valerie Giscard d Estaing, Francois Mitterrand, Jacques Chirac, Nicolas Sarkozy.
Sealine - tours to France
History of France (key dates)
1st century BC – 3rd century ADActive Romanization of southern Gaul - cities are being built (many public buildings: baths, theaters, temples), aqueducts. Remains of Roman structures still remain today.
4th century
The city of Burdigala (modern Bordeaux) is famous for its high school(study of Greek and Latin literature, rhetoric)
5th century
There were more than 100 cities in Gaul. Under pressure from the Germanic tribes of the Suebi, Burgundians and Franks, the Roman troops withdrew from the border along the Rhine, leaving part of Gaul to the Germans. The Visigoths occupied Aquitaine from the Loire to the Garonne and founded the Kingdom of Toulouse.
Around 450
Under the onslaught of the Anglo-Saxons, part of the Briton tribes moved from the British Isles to the Armorica Peninsula (modern Brittany), the ethnic identity of this province is still preserved.
451
Invasion of the Huns. Roman troops and Frankish squads defeated the Huns of Attila in the battle on the Catalaunian fields, near Troyes.
5th century, last quarter
The Visigoths captured Gascony, Provence and almost all of Spain, as well as the central regions (modern Bury, Limousine and Auvergne). In the valleys of the Saone and Rhone, the Burgundians founded the kingdom of Burgundy.
482 year
The northern regions from the Loire to the Somme and the Meuse were subjugated by the tribal union of the Franks. The ruler of the Franks, Holdwig, founded the Frankish state of the Merovingians. The Franks retained the Roman cities and administration.
496
The Franks converted to Christianity according to the Roman rite, which provided them with the support of the Pope of Rome against the rest of the Germanic tribes who professed Arianism.
6th century, beginning
The first edition of the Salic Pravda was created - a code of laws, which included the norms of unwritten (customary) law and the norms of early feudal law. For the Gallo-Roman population, the norms of Roman law are preserved.
511 year
Holdwig died. The Frankish state crumbled into the inheritances of his sons.
6th century, middle
The Franks established their dominance by subjugating the Visigoths and Burgundians. The Frankish state of the Merovingians was formed. Under the influence of the Germans, feudal land ownership began to take shape in Gaul.
6th century, end - 7th century, beginning
During internecine wars, four parts of the Frankish state took shape: Neustria (in the northwest, with a center in Paris and a predominantly Halo-Roman population, Burgundy (in the east), Aquitaine (in the southwest) and Austrasia (northeastern part of Gaul, settled by the East Franks later became part of Germany).
687
Mayor Pepin II (administrator of the royal domain, appointed by the king) concentrated in his hands the real power in the Frankish state.
732 year
Battle of Poitiers. The Frankish Major Karl Martel (nickname means "hammer") defeated the Arabs, stopping their advance into the interior of the country.
737 year
Charles Martell seized power in the Frankish state.
751
Pepin III Short exiled last king from the Merovingian family to a monastery and founded the new Carolingian dynasty.
768-789 years
Charlemagne (742-814) became King of France. Under him, global transformations were carried out within the state, for example, an administrative reform: a court, a palace court, and an office were created to manage the empire. Active foreign policy(creation of border stamps, for example Spanish, Breion). Charles became famous as a patron of the arts. The flowering of culture under him was called the "Carolingian Renaissance". Schools were opened at all the monasteries of the Frankish state.
800 year
The state of the Franks turned into a huge "Holy Roman Empire", covering western part Germany, all of France and the northern part of Italy, led by Emperor Charlemagne. Under the influence of a higher Gallo-Romance culture, the Franks assimilated, lost their language, assimilating the Gallo-Romance speech and enriching it with Germanic words. Official language Frankish Roman state.
842
Exchange of "Oaths" (the first document on French) between kings Charles the Bald and Louis the German.
843
Treaty of Verdun - the division of the Frankish Empire, the separation of the West Frankish state, which became known as France.
9th century, middle
Norman raids on France. Not only coastal cities were devastated, but also settlements inland, including Paris. The Normans captured part of France at the mouth of the Seine and founded the duchy of Normandy (911).
10th century
France was divided into counties and duchies.
X-XII centuries
Romanesque style in architecture.
910
Abbey of Cluny founded.
987
End of the Carolingian dynasty. Count Hugh Capet of Paris is elected King of France. The beginning of the reign of the Capetian dynasty (ruled until 1328). The royal domain included lands along the Seine and Loire with Paris and Orleans.
1060-1108 years
Philip I. The struggle of the cities of the communes with the lords became a means of strengthening royalty. As they joined the royal domain, duchies and counties became provinces.
1095
Pope Urban II called at the Council of Clermont to "liberate the Holy Sepulcher"
1096-1099 years
I Crusade. It consisted of two parts - the campaign of the poor (from central and northern France and western Germany) under the leadership of Pierre of Amiens (The Hermit) along the pilgrimage route - along the Rhine and Danube to Constantinople. At the same time, the first Jewish pogroms in the history of medieval Europe took place. At the end of 1096, detachments of feudal lords moved from Lorraine, Normandy, southern France and Italy. In the east, the crusaders created a number of states: the Jerusalem state and its vassal counties - Tripoli and Edessa, the principality of Antioch.
Around 1143
In the south of France, between Toulouse and Albi, the heresy of the Cathars (from the Greek "pure") spread. The Cathars rejected all Catholic dogmas, subordination to the state, demanded the confiscation of church lands, which attracted the nobility to them. They created their own church organization.
1147
The Muslims conquered Edessa, which was the reason for the II Crusade, led by Louis VII and the German Emperor Conrad III (ended in vain). Louis VII divorced Alleonora of Aquetaine, Henry II Plantagenet, Count of Anjou married her.
1154
Henry II Plantagenet became king of England and almost 2/3 of France. Normandy, Aquitaine, Anjou, Maine, Poitou fell under his rule and cut off access to the sea to the royal domain. There was an instant conflict between England and France.
1209-1228
The kings and knights of Northern France, taking advantage of the spread of the Albigensian (Cathars and Waldenses) heresy in the south, subjected the southern regions with a higher economic and cultural standard of living to a terrible defeat and annexed the County of Toulouse (Languedoc) to the royal domain.
Around 1226
The Inquisition was organized in Toulouse.
1226-1270 years
Louis IX Saint.
1248-1254 years
Saint Louis IX led the VII Crusade to Egypt, where he was captured and ransomed for a huge sum.
1270
Louis IX gathered the VIII Crusade, but having reached Tunis, he died of the plague, like most of the knights.
1285 - 1314
Philip IV Handsome.
1302
"Bruges Matins". In the city of Bruges, the French garrison was cut out, stationed here during the struggle for the County of Flanders. In response, Philip IV the Handsome led his knights to Flanders. A “Battle of the Spurs” took place, during which the Flanders weavers killed the knights, removed their golden spurs (the distinction of a knighthood and hung them in the church. The States General was convened - a class assembly to vote taxes. The first estate was the clergy, the second was the nobility, the third was the bourgeois (citizens, taxable estate).
1306
Philip IV the Beautiful confiscated the property of the Jews (mainly usurers) and expelled them from France, but then allowed them to return (this happened more than once during his reign).
1307
The order of the Templars, to whom the king owed huge sums, was defeated. Many members of the order were executed, some were expelled, and the colossal property of the order was confiscated. The master of the order, Jacques de Molay, cursed the king and his offspring at the stake. In 1312, the pope dissolved the order.
1328-1350
Philip VI the beginning of the reign of the Valois dynasty, a side branch of the Capetians (until 1589).
1337-1453 years
Hundred Years War with England.
1380-1422 years
Large feudal lords ruled on behalf of Charles VI, who suffered from bouts of insanity.
1413
Confrontation under King Charles VI of two parties - Armagnacs and Burgundians. Revolts in Paris, convocation of the Estates General, resumption of the Hundred Years' War.
1420
The Duke of Burgundy went over to the side of the English king. Occupation of Paris.
1422-1461
Reign of Charles VII.
1429
Joan of Arc persuaded the indecisive and weak Charles VII to entrust her with an army to lift the siege of Orleans, and when this succeeded, she went with Charles VII to Reims for his coronation in Reims Cathedral, the traditional place for the coronation of French kings.
1430
In the battle with the British at Compiègne, Jeanne with a detachment had to retreat to the city gates, but they remained locked. The Burgundians captured her and sold her to the British. The court sentenced Jeanne to death, and in 1431 she was burned at the stake in Rouen. In 1456, all charges were dropped from Jeanne, and she became a national heroine. In the twentieth century, the Catholic Church canonized her.
1439
Charles VII declared the independence of the French Church from the Pope.
1453
Charles VII conquered Bordeaux, ending the Hundred Years' War. The British lost all continental possessions, except for the city of Calais.
1461-1483 years
Louis XI. A skilled diplomat, he did not like war and bequeathed to his son to remember: "He who does not know how to pretend, he does not know how to manage." Crafts and trade revived. The embryos of the economic policy of mercantilism, which is based on a positive trade balance, have emerged. Louis XI encouraged the development of industry (in particular, he forced Lyon to produce silk fabrics and organize fairs, which quickly overshadowed those in Geneva).
1477
Accession of Burgundy to the royal possessions after the death of Charles the Bold, the last Duke of Burgundy.
1483-1498
Reign of Charles VIII.
1515-1547
Reign of Francis I.
1534
The Jesuit order "Society of Jesus" was founded to fight the Reformation.
1559
King Henry II died during the tournament. His wife Catherine de Medici became regent under the minor under the minor Francis II, then under Charles IX.
1562-1592
Religious Wars. A war began (1562) between Catholics and Huguenots (Protestants, followers of Calvin. Most often they were townspeople and nobles of the south of France). Internal migration has led to the blurring of regional differences.
1589
A Dominican monk killed Henry III, the last king of the Valois dynasty.
1589-1610
Henry IV of Bourbon. The beginning of the reign of the Bourbon dynasty (until 1792 and in 1814-1830). The integrity of the country was restored according to the principle of uniting "all lands where French is spoken."
1598
Edict of Nantes. The Catholic religion is recognized as dominant in France. Established freedom of Protestant worship. Catholics and Protestants are equal in rights.
1610
The Catholic fanatic Ravaillac killed Henry IV, under which religious peace was established, the state of finance and government improved. Louis XIII (1601-1643), son of Henry IV and Marie de Medici, ascended the throne. During the years of the regency of M. Medici, the country was actually ruled by her favorite, the Italian adventurer Concino Concini (involved in the assassination of the king), whom she made Marquis d'Ancor and Marshal of France.
1617
The favorite of Louis XIII, the Duke of Luynes, persuaded the king to remove Concini. Killed, and his wife was accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake, Luin appropriated their huge fortune and achieved the expulsion of Marie Medici.
1618-1648
Thirty Years' War. France helped the Protestants in Germany in the fight against the Habsburgs.
1624-1642
Reign of Richelieu under Louis XIII. Richelieu contributed to the strengthening of the absolute monarchy and actually created centralized state France.
1631
The first French newspaper "GAZETTE DE FRANCE" is founded.
1635
Richelieu founded the French Academy.
1648
According to the results Thirty Years' War France occupied a dominant position in central Europe.
1659
The marriage of the future Louis XIV with the Spanish Infanta Maria Theresa put an end to the long feud between the two royal houses.
1664
Colbert founded the West Indies and New East Indies Campaigns.
1665
Jean-Baptiste Colbert is appointed Comptroller General of France's finances. Pursuing a policy of mercantilism, he stabilized the financial system and ensured economic growth.
1669
The construction of the Palace of Versailles began.
1685
Cancellation of the Edict of Nantes on the freedom of Protestant worship, the flight of the Huguenots.
1701-1714
War of the Spanish Succession: Austria, Holland, the Habsburg Empire against France and Bavaria. Philip V (grandson Louis XIV) became king of Spain. France lost part of the American possessions.
XVIII century of enlightenment
1715
After the death of Louis XIV, his great-grandson Louis XV became king (until 1774). The country is heavily devastated: "1/10 of the inhabitants are begging, and 1/2 do not have the opportunity to give alms."
1733
War with Austria and Russia for the Polish inheritance.
1774-1793 years
Reign of Louis XVI.
1781
Report of the Minister of Finance on the appalling state of the country's budget.
1788
The Treasury has declared bankruptcy.
1789-1794
The French Revolution.
1789
After a 175-year break, the States General convened. A month and a half later, the third estate proclaimed itself the National Assembly - this became the prologue of the Great French Revolution. The bourgeois demanded equality before the law, the abolition of tax privileges.
1789
Summer. Peasant uprisings, the abolition of feudal duties. Political clubs arose in Paris, from which political parties were formed. Nationalization of church property to reduce the budget deficit. On August 26, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen was adopted.
1790
Church reform, abolition of hereditary nobility, adoption of the first constitution.
1791
The failed flight of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette from Paris. Aggravation of relations between radical and moderate deputies of the National Assembly. The Jacobins, led by Robespierre, demanded that the king be punished and that a republic be proclaimed.
1791 end
In Europe, interventions were being prepared against revolutionary France.
1792 August 10
The storming of the royal palace of the Tuileries, the overthrow of the monarchy (the king and his family are imprisoned).
1793 April 6-June 2
1793, April 6-June 2, the Committee of Public Safety came to power. The main government body of the Jacobins, headed by Danton.
1794
The Jacobin bloc split into right and left: the Dantonists (Danton) and the Héberists (Hébert).
1794 mara
The Héberists opposed the government and were executed (Hébert and Chaumet).
1794 April
Danton, Desmoulins and other Dantonists (supporters of radical measures who opposed terror) were executed.
1794 July 26
Thermidorian revolution. The Jacobin club is closed, Robespierre and Saint-Just are arrested and executed without trial. New constitution.
1794 October
Ecole Normal is established - educational institution for teacher training.
1795
The Institute of France, the highest science Center countries.
1796
Napoleon's campaign in Italy, the defeat of the Austrian troops.
1798
The Egyptian campaign of Napoleon, the capture of Malta, the victory of Admiral Nelson at Abikur. Napoleon returned to France.
1799
Napoleon carried out a military coup. Under the new constitution, power passes to three consuls. Napoleon is the first consul.
1802
Napoleon appointed consul for life. Amnesty for emigrants, economic reforms started.
1804
Napoleon was proclaimed emperor, the nobility was restored, state power was strengthened, the Civil Code (Napoleon's Code) was put into effect.
1805
The defeat of the Austro-Russian troops at Austerlitz ended the war with the third anti-French coalition.
1807
Peace of Tilsit - Russian-French rapprochement. French hegemony in Europe. The first meeting between Napoleon and Alexander I.
1812 Napoleon's campaign in Russia, the capture of Moscow, the death of the French army in Russia.
1813
French troops expelled from Spain. Strengthened anti-French coalition. Battle of Leipzig - "Battle of the Nations", the defeat of Napoleon.
April 1814
Allied troops (England, Austria, Prussia and Russia) occupied Paris. The provisional government announced the deposition of Napoleon, he was left the title of emperor and exiled to the island of Elba in the Mediterranean. After the abdication of Napoleon, Louis XVIII (brother of the executed king) received power. Civil liberties and the Napoleonic Code were preserved in the country. The Treaty of Paris is relatively soft conditions for France, which lost the war.
1815
"Napoleon's Hundred Days": Napoleon's landing on the southern coast of France, march on Paris. Louis XVIII fled. Empire restored. The battle of Waterloo ended in the defeat of Napoleon, a link to the island of St. Helena. Restoration of the monarchy. The second Treaty of Paris is more stringent than the first (1814).
1821
Death of Napoleon.
1824
By the Constitutional Charter granted by the King, France became constitutional monarchy. The national flag is the white banner of the Bourbons.
1830 July - August
July Revolution, abdication of Charles X of Bourbon. The Chamber of Deputies and the Chamber of Pens elected Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orleans, as king. The flag of France became tricolor. The revolution was not as bloody as great revolution, but covered Belgium, Poland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland.
1840
The ashes of Napoleon were transported to Paris.
February 1848
A new revolution has begun. Fighting in Paris, the Tuileries Palace captured, Prime Minister Guizot resigned, Louis-Philippe abdicated. Republic proclaimed. Decree on the right to work, Decree on the organization of national workshops.
1848
The victory of the Republicans in the elections to the National (Constituent) Assembly.
1848 February 10
The constitution of the second republic was adopted. Louis Napoleon (Napoleon I's nephew) became President of France.
1849
Elections to the Legislative Assembly. The victory of the monarchists over the republicans.
1850
Transfer Law public education clergy.
1851
Disbanded the National Assembly. Louis Napoloen is endowed with dictatorial powers, censorship has been introduced.
1852
Louis Napoleon declared himself Emperor Napoleon III. Second Empire (until 1870).
1870
France declared war on Prussia. Battle of Sedan, Napoleon III surrendered, abdicated. Paris is surrounded by Prussian troops.
1871
The capitulation of Paris, the signing of peace on very unfavorable terms for France.
1871, March 18-May 16
Parisian Commune. Power passed to the Central Committee National Guard. The Cabinet of Ministers and the army fled to Versailles.
1871
The commune was defeated by German and French troops. 25 thousand people died.
1871 August
The National Assembly elected Thiers President of the French Republic.
1875
Constitution of the Third Republic.
1894
President assassinated (since 1887). The rise of revolutionary anarchism.
1895
The Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph