The King escapes Paris in the famous Flight to Varennes. As the revolution was devoured by the left and the right, what was the true catalyst for Louis' decision to flee? What prevented the daring escape from succeeding? Maps of the Flight to...

As religious divisions threaten the peace, the Assembly makes an enemy of France's warrior class. Mirabeau, seeking to save the revolution from its increasing radicalism, enters into secret dealings with the court. Were his actions justified?...

The Catholic Church becomes the revolution's most tenacious and ferocious foe. The Civil Constitution of the Clergy forces the nation to choose between revolution and religion. Was this conflict inevitable, or did the revolutionaries simply make a...

A popular, revolutionary sentiment sweeps across the nation. To express support for this new nationalism, the French people create a whole host of new ceremonies and customs. But do these traditions truly represent national unity? Check out...

The Assembly's authority was being challenged by a variety of revolutionary actors both inside and outside of Paris. Attempting to command greater authority, the Assembly introduced sweeping administrative and judicial reforms.

Division and disunity grip the Assembly. As factions, societies and clubs begin to dominate the political landscape, the Assembly finds itself embroiled in divisive debates concerning universal male suffrage and martial law.

A great revolt consumes Paris. It almost consumes the monarchy itself. The success of the royal veto and the King's refusal to sign the revolutionary decrees of August combine with a number of factors to bring about a popular revolt.... supposedly.

The Great Fear was followed by great achievements. In an effort to tame the peasant uprisings, the deputies attacked feudalism as well. The rights of man were declared to consolidate the revolution, and the role of the King in society became a central...

'The Great Fear' focuses on France's slide into anarchy. Fear and paranoia drive the populace to take up arms, and a municipal revolution occurs. When the forces of counter-revolution fail to take their revenge on the people, the peasants take theirs...

Episode 12, 'The Storming of the Bastille', examines the famous storming of the Bastille, the creation of Paris’ new municipal government by the Electors, and the symbolism of the Bastille both before and after its fall.