France

Explore the rich and diverse history of France through a detailed timeline. Discover key events, cultural shifts, and significant milestones that have shaped France from ancient times to the modern era.

14 juli 1789

2 december 1804

27 juli 1830

22 december 1894

25 augustus 1944

3 mei 1968

10 mei 1981

12 juli 1998

13 november 2015

15 april 2019

14juli
1789
14 July 1789

Storming of the Bastille

The Storming of the Bastille occurred in Paris, France, on the afternoon of 14 July 1789. The medieval armory, fortress, and political prison in Paris known as the Bastille represented royal authority in the center of Paris. The prison contained just seven inmates at the time of its storming but was seen by the revolutionaries as a symbol of the monarchy's abuse of power; its fall was the flashpoint of the French Revolution.

Sources:
02december
1804
02 December 1804

Napoleon's Coronation as Emperor

On December 2, 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned Emperor of the French in a ceremony at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The coronation was a significant event in French history as it marked the establishment of the First French Empire, and effectively ended the period of the French Consulate. Napoleon's coronation as Emperor was a strong display of power as he took the crown from the Pope's hands and placed it on his own head to symbolize his authority that came from his own position, not from an outside source.

27juli
1830
27 July 1830

The July Revolution

The July Revolution, also known as the Second French Revolution, led to the overthrow of King Charles X, the French Bourbon monarch. It took place over three days in July 1830 in Paris. The uprising was primarily prompted by the king's suspension of the liberty of the press and the dissolving of the Chamber of Deputies. The revolution ended the Bourbon monarchy and brought Louis-Philippe to the throne, marking the beginning of the July Monarchy.

22december
1894
22 December 1894

The Dreyfus Affair

The Dreyfus Affair was a political scandal that divided France from the 1890s to the early 1900s. It began in 1894 with the wrongful conviction for treason of Alfred Dreyfus, a young French artillery officer of Jewish descent. The incident exposed deep anti-Semitism and led to battles between republicans and monarchists. The affair became a major political issue in France and is significant for its role in the establishment of a secular republican state.

25augustus
1944
25 August 1944

Liberation of Paris

The Liberation of Paris was a significant event towards the end of World War II. On August 25, 1944, Paris was liberated from Nazi occupation after four years. The French Resistance, along with the Free French and allied forces, played a crucial role in freeing the city. The liberation marked the end of Nazi domination in the region and was symbolically important for the morale of the Allied forces and the French people. General Charles de Gaulle led a triumphant parade down the Champs-Élysées, signifying the restoration of French sovereignty.

Sources:
03mei
1968
03 May 1968

May 1968 Protests in France

In May 1968, a volatile period of civil unrest erupted in France, marked by demonstrations, general strikes, and the occupation of universities and factories. It began as a reaction against capitalism, consumerism, American imperialism, and traditional institutions, values, and order. The protests involved millions of workers and left significant political, social, and cultural impacts. It led to the collapse of the De Gaulle government and still echoes in France's liberal reforms and labor laws today.

Sources:
BBC |
10mei
1981
10 May 1981

Election of François Mitterrand

François Mitterrand was elected as President of France on May 10, 1981, marking a significant change in French political history. This was the first time a socialist became president under the Fifth Republic, which began in 1958. Mitterrand's presidency led to a series of transformative policies, including nationalization of industries, decentralization reforms, and expansion of social programs. Mitterrand's tenure also saw the introduction of a wealth of cultural and social shifts that reshaped modern France.

12juli
1998
12 July 1998

France Wins 1998 World Cup

On July 12, 1998, the French national football team won their first World Cup title by defeating Brazil 3-0 in the final at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. Hosted by France, the 1998 FIFA World Cup marked a significant achievement in French sports history and fostered national unity and pride. The victory symbolized a new era in French football, and the team's diverse background was viewed by many as a reflection of modern multicultural France.

Sources:
13november
2015
13 November 2015

November 2015 Paris Attacks

On November 13, 2015, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks occurred in Paris and its northern suburb, Saint-Denis. The attacks consisted of mass shootings, suicide bombings, and hostage-taking and led to the deaths of 130 people, with hundreds more wounded. Claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the attacks were the deadliest on French soil since World War II. The events led to a nationwide state of emergency and sparked an international response to terrorism.

Sources:
BBC |
15april
2019
15 April 2019

Notre-Dame Cathedral Fire

On April 15, 2019, a massive fire broke out beneath the roof of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The blaze devastated large parts of the 850-year-old church, leading to the collapse of the iconic spire and roof. The fire was a profound cultural and historical loss, sparking worldwide attention and leading to a global fundraising campaign for reconstruction. Notre-Dame is a symbol of Paris and reflects the history and culture of France and Europe, with its rebuilding promising to be a national effort.

Sources:

Frequently asked questions about France

Discover commonly asked questions regarding France. If there are any questions we may have overlooked, please let us know.

What marked the end of the Hundred Years' War?

What was the significance of the Treaty of Verdun?

When did France become a republic?

When did the French Revolution take place?

Similar Timelines to Explore

Explore similar wikis on Timepath and dive deeper into the subject of France. Your journey through connected events and stories starts here. Missed something? We would love to hear your suggestions for additional wikis.