The French Revolution – Topper Style Notes
Introduction
The French Revolution began in 1789 and marked the end of monarchy and the rise of
democracy and equality. Its ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity spread worldwide and
inspired revolutions in many countries.
French Society During the Late Eighteenth Century
French society was divided into three estates:
1. First Estate (Clergy): Enjoyed privileges, did not pay taxes, collected tithes.
2. Second Estate (Nobility): Owned best lands, exempted from taxes.
3. Third Estate (Commoners): 90% population, paid all taxes, had no rights. The middle
class (lawyers, traders, teachers) became influential through education and Enlightenment
ideas.
The Struggle to Survive
Population rose rapidly but food production lagged. Subsistence crisis occurred, bread
prices rose, and the poor suffered greatly.
A Growing Middle Class Envisages an End to Privileges
Middle class demanded freedom and equality. Influenced by philosophers: Rousseau
(Social Contract), Montesquieu (Spirit of Laws), Voltaire (criticized church).
The Outbreak of the Revolution
Financial crisis due to wars. King Louis XVI called Estates-General in 1789. Third Estate
demanded voting by head, but king refused. They declared themselves the National
Assembly. - Tennis Court Oath (20 June 1789): Pledged to draft a new constitution. -
Bastille Stormed (14 July 1789): Symbol of royal oppression destroyed, revolution began.
France Becomes a Constitutional Monarchy
4 August 1789: Abolition of feudal privileges. - Declaration of the Rights of Man and
Citizen: Liberty, property, security, equality before law. - Constitution of 1791: Limited
monarchy, separation of powers, active citizens could vote.
France Abolishes Monarchy and Becomes a Republic
1792: War with Prussia and Austria. King imprisoned, monarchy abolished. - 1793: Louis
XVI executed; Marie Antoinette also executed. - France declared a Republic.
The Reign of Terror (1793–1794)
Robespierre (Jacobins) ruled harshly. Enemies executed by guillotine. Slavery abolished
in colonies. Finally, Robespierre was executed in 1794.
A Directory Rules France
New constitution of 1795: Directory of five members. Weak government led to rise of
Napoleon Bonaparte.
Did Women Have a Revolution?
Women formed clubs, demanded education and equality. Denied political rights until 1946
when they finally got the right to vote.
The Abolition of Slavery
Slavery was widespread in French colonies. 1794: Abolished but Napoleon reintroduced it
in 1804. Finally abolished in 1848.
The Revolution and Everyday Life
Press freedom, censorship ended, new culture emerged. Songs, pamphlets, plays spread
revolutionary ideas. Equality before law established.
Conclusion
The French Revolution ended absolute monarchy, introduced democracy and equality,
and spread the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity worldwide.
French Revolution – Quick Revision Toolkit
■ Mnemonics
1. **Causes of French Revolution → ‘ICE-W’** - **I**nequality (Estates system) - **C**risis
of food (Subsistence crisis) - **E**nlightenment ideas - **W**ars & wasteful expenditure 2.
**Philosophers → ‘R-M-V’** - **R**ousseau (Social Contract) - **M**ontesquieu
(Separation of Powers) - **V**oltaire (Freedom, anti-church) 3. **Revolution Stages →
‘BCRD’** - **B**astille Stormed (1789) - **C**onstitutional Monarchy (1791) - **R**epublic
(1792) - **D**irectory & Napoleon (1795 onward)
■ Flowchart of the Revolution
1789: Bastille Stormed
1791: Constitutional Monarchy
1792: France becomes Republic
1793-94: Reign of Terror
1795: Directory Rules
Rise of Napoleon
■ Mindmap – Key Themes
- **Causes** → Social inequality, Economic crisis, Enlightenment ideas, King’s misrule. -
**Events** → Bastille, Constitution 1791, Republic 1792, Terror, Directory, Napoleon. -
**Impacts** → End of monarchy, Rights of man, Global inspiration, Rise of nationalism. -
**Limitations** → Women excluded, Slavery debates, Instability after Directory.
