APR 1792
Three years into the French Revolution, France's Legislative Assembly declares war on Austria and Prussia, fearing they will launch an invasion in a bid to restore the absolute monarchy of Louis XVI. A loose coalition of European powers is eventually formed in opposition to France, marking the start of the French Revolutionary Wars.
21 SEP 1792
The French Republic is proclaimed by France's new government, the National Convention. The deposed Louis XVI and his consort, Marie Antoinette, are executed by guillotine the following year.
1796–97
Napoleon Bonaparte, then a relatively unknown commander, rises to prominence
