History of France

Explanation: The French Revolution broke out in 1789. While the storming of the Bastille (July 14) is its symbol, it truly began with the Estates-General in May 1789.

Explanation: Louis XVI, King of France from 1774 to 1792, was guillotined on January 21, 1793, at Place de la Révolution (now Place de la Concorde). His last words were: "I die innocent." His wife Marie Antoinette was executed nine months later.

Explanation: Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself emperor.

Explanation: The Battle of Waterloo (June 18, 1815) was Napoleon's final defeat.

Explanation: Louis XIV (1638-1715) reigned for 72 years, the longest reign in French history. He built the Palace of Versailles and embodied absolute monarchy.

Explanation: Charles de Gaulle founded the Fifth Republic in 1958.

Explanation: The German surrender took place on May 8, 1945, celebrated as "Victory in Europe Day" (V-E Day). The war in the Pacific ended on September 2, 1945.

Explanation: Julius Caesar defeated Vercingetorix in 52 BC.

Explanation: Joan of Arc was burned alive in Rouen on May 30, 1431.

Explanation: "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" became the motto of the French Republic, enshrined in the Constitution. It appears on public buildings and coins.

Explanation: La Marseillaise, composed by Rouget de Lisle in 1792 in Strasbourg, became the national anthem in 1795.

Explanation: Old Regime society was divided into three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and the Third Estate, which represented 97% of the population.

Explanation: May 68 started as a student revolt before expanding into a general strike of 10 million workers, the largest in French history.

Explanation: Clovis I, King of the Franks, converted to Christianity and unified the Frankish tribes. His baptism in Reims is considered the founding act of Christian France.

Explanation: After 8 years of war (1954-1962), the Evian Accords ended the conflict. Algeria became independent on July 5, 1962 after a referendum.