Timeline

1789-- French Revolution begins
1793-- Reign of Terror
        -- Charles Myriel (later Bishop Bienvenu) flees to Italy during the revolution
1796-- Jean Valjean is imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread.
1799-- Napoleon proclaims himself dictator of France.
1802-- Victor Hugo is born
1804-- M. Myriel is cure at Brignolles, when he meets the Emperor
1806-- Bishop Myriel (or Bienvenu) is installed as bishop of Digne
1815, June 18th-- Battle of Waterloo, Col. Pontmercy is "rescued" by Thenardier
        -- Bourbon Restoration
        -- Jean Valjean is released on parole
1816--ish-- Jean Valjean becomes mayor of M---- sur M----.
1817-- Tholomyes leaves Fantine, Fantine has Cosette.
1818-- Fantine leaves Cosette with the Thenardiers and returns to M---- sur M-----.
1821-- Napoleon dies
1823, October-- Jean Valjean jumps the Orion and is believed dead
         December-- Jean Valjean retrieves Cosette
1824-- Charles X becomes king of France and moves away from the constitutional monarchy
1830-- July Revolution
1832-- June Rebellion, the Barricades
       -- Victor Hugo hides in an alley to avoid the crossfire
       -- Cosette and Marius get married
1833-- Jean Valjean dies
1862-- "Les Miserables" is published (7,000 copies sold out in 24 hours)
        -- Victor Hugo is in exile in Belguim