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French Revolution Essay

The French Revolution, occurring from 1789 to 1799, was driven by social, political, and economic inequalities under King Louis XVI, particularly the burden of taxation on the Third Estate. Key events included the formation of the National Assembly, the abolition of the monarchy, and the Reign of Terror, leading to significant political changes and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. Its legacy endures, promoting ideas of democracy and equality globally.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
33 views3 pages

French Revolution Essay

The French Revolution, occurring from 1789 to 1799, was driven by social, political, and economic inequalities under King Louis XVI, particularly the burden of taxation on the Third Estate. Key events included the formation of the National Assembly, the abolition of the monarchy, and the Reign of Terror, leading to significant political changes and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. Its legacy endures, promoting ideas of democracy and equality globally.

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vineetam442
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The French Revolution

The French Revolution was a major turning point in European history, beginning in 1789 and lasting

until 1799.

It dramatically changed France and influenced countries around the world. The Revolution arose

from deep social, political, and economic inequalities in France under the rule of King Louis XVI.

**Causes of the Revolution:**

There were many causes of the French Revolution. One major reason was the inequality between

the different classes in society. French society was divided into three estates: the First Estate

(clergy), the Second Estate (nobility), and the Third Estate (commoners). The first two estates had

many privileges and paid little to no taxes, while the Third Estate, which made up about 98% of the

population, carried the burden of taxation.

Economic hardship also played a role. France had been involved in several expensive wars,

including the American Revolution, and was deeply in debt. Poor harvests led to food shortages and

high bread prices, causing widespread hunger. The people were frustrated and angry, especially as

the royal family continued to live in luxury.

Enlightenment ideas also inspired the Revolution. Thinkers like Rousseau, Voltaire, and

Montesquieu spoke about liberty, equality, and democracy. These ideas spread across France and

made people question the authority of the monarchy.

**Events of the Revolution:**

The Revolution began in 1789 when King Louis XVI called the Estates-General to address the

financial crisis. The Third Estate broke away and declared itself the National Assembly, vowing to

write a new constitution. This was followed by the famous storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789,

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The French Revolution

a symbol of royal tyranny.

Soon after, the National Assembly abolished feudal privileges and adopted the Declaration of the

Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which proclaimed liberty, equality, and fraternity. The monarchy

was gradually stripped of power, and in 1791, France became a constitutional monarchy.

However, the Revolution became more radical. In 1792, the monarchy was abolished, and King

Louis XVI was executed in January 1793. Queen Marie Antoinette followed later that year. The

Revolution entered its most violent phase during the Reign of Terror, led by Maximilien Robespierre.

Thousands were executed by guillotine, including many revolutionaries who were seen as threats.

**End of the Revolution:**

In 1794, Robespierre was arrested and executed, bringing an end to the Reign of Terror. A new

government called the Directory took power, but it was weak and corrupt. Finally, in 1799, a military

leader named Napoleon Bonaparte seized control in a coup d'état and became the ruler of France,

marking the end of the French Revolution and the beginning of the Napoleonic era.

**Effects of the French Revolution:**

The French Revolution had a lasting impact. It ended the absolute monarchy and the privileges of

the nobility and clergy. It brought new ideas of democracy and equality to the forefront and inspired

revolutions in other parts of the world. Although it led to years of war and the rise of Napoleon, it

planted the seeds of modern democratic governments.

The Revolution showed that people could challenge injustice and demand their rights. While not all

of its goals were achieved immediately, the French Revolution remains one of the most important

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The French Revolution

events in world history.

**Conclusion:**

The French Revolution was not just a political change-it was a shift in thinking and values. It

transformed France and influenced global ideas about freedom, rights, and the power of the people.

Even today, the legacy of the French Revolution continues to inspire movements for equality and

justice around the world.

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