On This Day

French Revolution: The National Assembly declares martial law in France to prevent uprisings

In the history of France, the period from 1789 to 1914, dubbed the "long 19th century" by the historian Eric Hobsbawm, extends from the French Revolution to the brink of World War I.

In the history of France, the period from 1789 to 1914, dubbed the "long 19th century" by the historian Eric Hobsbawm, extends from the French Revolution to the brink of World War I. Throughout this period, France underwent significant transformations that reshaped its geography, demographics, language, and economic landscape, marking a period of profound change and development. The French Revolution and Napoleonic eras fundamentally altered French society, promoting centralization, administrative uniformity across departments, and a standardized legal code. Education also centralized, emphasizing technical training and meritocracy, despite growing conservatism among the aristocracy and the church. Wealth concentration saw the richest 10 percent owning most of the nation's wealth.

Historical Significance

In the history of France, the period from 1789 to 1914, dubbed the "long 19th century" by the historian Eric Hobsbawm, extends from the French Revolution to the brink of World War I.

Events Before

  1. Emperor Joseph II's order for the Jews of Galicia, Austria, to adopt family names comes into effect

    Emperor Joseph II's order for the Jews of Galicia, Austria, to adopt family names comes into effect

  2. First elements of the First Fleet, carrying 736 convicts from England to Australia, arrive at Botany Bay to establish a

    First elements of the First Fleet, carrying 736 convicts from England to Australia, arrive at Botany Bay to establish a penal colony

  3. Captain Arthur Phillip and British colonists hoist the Union Flag at Sydney Cove, New South Wales, now celebrated as Aus

    Captain Arthur Phillip and British colonists hoist the Union Flag at Sydney Cove, New South Wales, now celebrated as Australia Day; referred to as Invasion Day by First Nations people

  4. US Constitution comes into effect when New Hampshire is the 9th state to ratify it

    The United States Constitution has served as the supreme law of the United States since taking effect in 1789.

  5. Prussia joins the Anglo-Dutch alliance to form the Triple Alliance to prevent the spread of the Russo-Swedish War of 178

    Prussia joins the Anglo-Dutch alliance to form the Triple Alliance to prevent the spread of the Russo-Swedish War of 1788-90

Events After

  1. First US President George Washington delivers the first State of the Union address

    The 1790 State of the Union Address was the inaugural State of the Union address, delivered by President George Washington to the United States Congress on January 8, 1790, at the Senate Chamber of…

  2. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera "Cosi Fan Tutte" premieres at the Burgtheater in Vienna, Austria

    Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera "Cosi Fan Tutte" premieres at the Burgtheater in Vienna, Austria

  3. King Gustav III leads Swedish naval forces to victory over the Russian Baltic fleet during the Second Battle of Svensksu

    King Gustav III leads Swedish naval forces to victory over the Russian Baltic fleet during the Second Battle of Svensksund, destroying or capturing one-third of the Russian ships and ending the Russo-Swedish War

  4. French Revolution: The Civil Constitution of the Clergy is adopted, putting the Catholic Church in France under the cont

    French Revolution: The Civil Constitution of the Clergy is adopted, putting the Catholic Church in France under the control of the state

  5. Danish Crown Prince Frederick (Later Frederick VI) marries his cousin Marie Sophie of Hesse-Kassel at Gottorp Castle

    Danish Crown Prince Frederick (Later Frederick VI) marries his cousin Marie Sophie of Hesse-Kassel at Gottorp Castle

More from the 1780s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on October 21, 1789?
In the history of France, the period from 1789 to 1914, dubbed the "long 19th century" by the historian Eric Hobsbawm, extends from the French Revolution to the brink of World War I. Throughout this period, France underwent significant transformations that reshaped its geography, demographics, language, and economic landscape, marking a period of profound change and development. The French Revolution and Napoleonic eras fundamentally altered French society, promoting centralization, administrative uniformity across departments, and a standardized legal code.
Why is French Revolution: The National Assembly declares martial law in France to pr... significant?
In the history of France, the period from 1789 to 1914, dubbed the "long 19th century" by the historian Eric Hobsbawm, extends from the French Revolution to the brink of World War I.

Explore More