to
                     depute 300 representatives, the nobility the like
                     number, and the commons 600.
   May         5.  Opening of the States-general at Versailles.
   June       17.  The chamber of the Tiers-Etat (commons) declares
                     itself a national assembly.
                19.  The Tiers-Etat takes the famous oath, known by the
                     "serment au Jeu de Paume," not to separate until
                     the constitution should be established.
                23.  The King goes in person to the assembly—but his
                     presence, far from intimidating the members,
                     renders them so intractable that from this epoch
                     may be dated the first attacks upon the royal
                     authority.
                24.  Forty-eight of the nobles, with the Duke of Orleans
                     at their head, unite with the tiers-etat (third
                     estate, or commons).
                     A considerable number of the clergy follow their
                     example.
                28.  The King, from a desire of peace, requests the
                     whole body of nobility and clergy to unite in one
                     assembly with the commons; which is acceded to.
                29.  Great rejoicings in Paris on account of this union.
   July       11.  The King in disgust dismisses Monsieur Necker.
                12.  The Prince de Lambesc appears at the Tuilleries
                     with an armed party of soldiers.
                13.  The city of Paris flies to arms.  The Bastille is
                     attacked, and taken by the populace;

[Click on the image to enlarge to full size]