Page 52 - Key to Social Studies 5
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Major Events in the History of France
France was part of a region called “Gaul,” or Gallia. The name France is from the Latin “Francia,” which
means “country of the Franks.” The Franks were a Germanic group who invaded northern France during
the fth century and ruled it in the period of the downfall of the Western Roman Empire. At the same
time, the Greek Empire controlled southern France in 600 B.C.E. and settled in a city known today as
Marseille.
In 768 C.E., a strong Frankish ruler named Charlemagne united the north and south of France and began
to expand his kingdom.
Charlemagne was named the Holy, or dedicated to God or religious purpose, Roman Emperor as he
ensured that his whole kingdom would follow Christianity. He was also known as the Father of Europe as
he was the founder of the French and German monarchies. In 814 C.E., King Charlemagne passed away.
His death was a great tragedy throughout Europe, after which the Vikings raided the kingdom.
The French Revolution
Before the revolution, France was under the rule of King Louis XVI. During his reign, the French people
were divided into three social classes: clergy, noblemen, and commoners. The lower class, which included
the commoners, had to pay most of the taxes and were given the hardest jobs to do. They revolted to
overthrow the rulers of France. Their revolution lasted from 1789 until 1799.
The French Revolution
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