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Fro Note

The French Revolution (1789–1799) was a pivotal period in European history characterized by the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic, driven by economic crises, social inequalities, and Enlightenment ideas. Key events included the Estates-General, the Tennis Court Oath, and the Storming of the Bastille, leading to significant outcomes such as the end of absolute monarchy and the rise of Napoleon. The revolution also inspired social reforms, nationalism, and laid the groundwork for modern democratic principles.

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10 views3 pages

Fro Note

The French Revolution (1789–1799) was a pivotal period in European history characterized by the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic, driven by economic crises, social inequalities, and Enlightenment ideas. Key events included the Estates-General, the Tennis Court Oath, and the Storming of the Bastille, leading to significant outcomes such as the end of absolute monarchy and the rise of Napoleon. The revolution also inspired social reforms, nationalism, and laid the groundwork for modern democratic principles.

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Atul
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Class Notes: The French Revolution

1 Overview of the French Revolution


The French Revolution (1789–1799) was a transformative period in European
history, marked by the overthrow of the monarchy, the establishment of a re-
public, and significant social and political changes. It was driven by economic
crises, social inequalities, and Enlightenment ideas.

2 Causes of the Revolution


Several factors contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution:

2.1 Economic Crisis


• France was heavily in debt due to wars (e.g., American Revolution) and
lavish spending by the monarchy.

• Poor harvests in the 1780s led to food shortages and rising bread prices.

2.2 Social Inequalities


France was divided into three estates:

• First Estate: Clergy (1% of population, owned 10% of land).

• Second Estate: Nobility (2% of population, owned 25% of land).

• Third Estate: Commoners (97% of population, paid most taxes).

The Third Estate resented their lack of political power and heavy tax burden.

2.3 Enlightenment Ideas


Philosophers like Rousseau and Voltaire promoted ideas of liberty, equality, and
democracy, inspiring calls for reform.

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3 Key Events
• Estates-General (1789): Louis XVI called a meeting to address the financial
crisis, but the Third Estate demanded greater representation.

• Tennis Court Oath (1789): The Third Estate declared itself the National
Assembly, vowing to create a new constitution.

• Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789): A mob attacked the Bastille prison,
marking the start of the revolution.

• Reign of Terror (1793–1794): Led by Robespierre, thousands were exe-


cuted to suppress counter-revolutionaries.

• Execution of Louis XVI (1793): The king was guillotined, ending the monar-
chy.

4 Major Outcomes
• End of Absolute Monarchy: France became a constitutional monarchy,
then a republic.

• Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (1789): A document pro-


moting equality and individual rights.

• Rise of Napoleon: The revolution’s instability led to Napoleon’s rise to


power in 1799.

5 Impact on Society
• Social Reforms: Feudal privileges were abolished, and land was redis-
tributed.

• Spread of Nationalism: The revolution inspired nationalist movements


across Europe.

• Modern Political Ideologies: It laid the groundwork for modern concepts


of democracy and citizenship.

6 Key Figures
• Louis XVI: King whose indecision exacerbated the crisis.

• Marie Antoinette: Queen criticized for extravagance.

• Robespierre: Leader of the radical Jacobins during the Reign of Terror.

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• Danton: A moderate revolutionary leader.

7 Key Points to Remember


• The French Revolution was sparked by economic, social, and ideological
factors.

• It led to the end of the monarchy and significant societal changes.

• Key events include the Storming of the Bastille and the Reign of Terror.

• The revolution’s legacy includes modern democratic principles and nation-


alism.

Homework: Discuss how Enlightenment ideas influenced the French Revolu-


tion.

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