Overview: The French Revolution (1789–1799) was a period of radical political and
social change in France. It marked the end of absolute monarchy, the rise of
democratic ideals, and the eventual establishment of the French Republic. Key
events, figures, and concepts are outlined below.
Key Causes:
1. Economic Struggles:
o France faced a financial crisis due to debt from wars (e.g., American
Revolutionary War) and extravagant spending by the monarchy.
o Widespread poverty and food shortages, including the "bread crisis,"
fueled unrest.
2. Social Inequalities:
o The French society was divided into three estates:
First Estate: Clergy
Second Estate: Nobility
Third Estate: Commoners (majority of the population, paying
most taxes).
o The Third Estate demanded more representation and equality.
3. Political Mismanagement:
o King Louis XVI was seen as an indecisive and ineffective leader.
o The Estates-General meeting in 1789 highlighted the growing divide
between the monarchy and the people.
4. Enlightenment Ideas:
o Thinkers like Rousseau, Voltaire, and Montesquieu promoted liberty,
equality, and fraternity.
o These ideas inspired revolutionary movements against monarchy and
social hierarchies.
Major Events:
1. Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789):
o Marked the beginning of the revolution.
o Symbolized the fall of royal tyranny and the people's demand for
rights.
2. Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (August 1789):
o Outlined basic human rights and equality under the law.
o Inspired by Enlightenment principles.
3. Abolition of Feudalism (1789):
o The National Assembly abolished privileges of the nobility and feudal
dues.
4. Reign of Terror (1793–1794):
o Led by the radical Jacobins and Robespierre.
o Thousands were executed via guillotine for perceived opposition to the
revolution.
5. Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte (1799):
o Napoleon’s coup d'état ended the revolution, establishing the
Consulate and paving the way for his rule as Emperor.
Key Figures:
1. King Louis XVI:
o Executed in 1793 for treason.
2. Marie Antoinette:
o Queen of France, infamous for her perceived indifference to the plight
of the people. Executed in 1793.
3. Maximilien Robespierre:
o Leader of the Reign of Terror and a key revolutionary figure.
4. Napoleon Bonaparte:
o Military leader who rose to power at the end of the revolution.
Outcomes:
1. End of absolute monarchy and feudal privileges.
2. Establishment of democratic ideals and civil rights.
3. Rise of Napoleon and significant changes to European politics.
Key Terms to Remember:
Estates-General
Guillotine
Jacobins and Girondins
National Assembly
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
