Louis XVI comes to the throne American War of Independence Famine in Paris and grain riots in northern France.
1776
July 4
American Declaration of Independence.
1778
France enters American war; at war with Britain.
1783
September 3
Peace of Versailles.
1786
September 26
Commercial free trade treaty between Britain and France (Vergennes/Eden Treaty).
1787
February 22
The first Assembly of Notables convened
July-September
Conflict between the king and the Parlement de Paris
1788
June-July
Insurrection at Grenoble and district, with calls for profound reforms
August 8
King and his minister, Brienne, convoke Estates General for May 1789
September 25
Paris Parlement recommends that the Estates General should be held as in 1614, and presents a list of grievances. Riots in Paris, Rennes, Dijon and Pau.