The French Revolution took place from 1789 to 1799. It was a major turning point in European history. This period led to Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise and still influences our world today. Key events like the Storming of the Bastille and the Reign of Terror changed France. They brought about new ideas of liberty, equality, and democracy.
France was almost bankrupt due to its support of the American Revolution. King Louis XVI’s spending didn’t help. People were also suffering from poor harvests, economic struggles, and unfair taxes. This led to a revolt against the monarchy. The shutting down of the Estates-General, the forming of the National Assembly, and the Storming of the Bastille were key events of the revolution, starting on July 14, 1789.
After these events, things got even more intense. King Louis XVI was executed, and the Jacobins’ power grew. This period, known as the Reign of Terror, was chaotic and bloody. Then, the Directory took over but faced issues with corruption and instability. Finally, Napoleon Bonaparte’s coup ended the revolution in 1799, leading to the Napoleonic era.
Key Takeaways
- The French Revolution took place between 1789 and 1799, leading to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
- France’s support of the American Revolution and the financial strain from King Louis XVI’s spending led to the revolution.
- The Revolution started symbolically with the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. It aimed to end feudalism and support the Rights of Man.
- It became more extreme with King Louis XVI’s execution, the Reign of Terror, and the Jacobins’ rise to power.
- The Directory’s period was filled with problems, ultimately allowing Napoleon Bonaparte to take control in 1799.
Origins of the French Revolution
By the late 18th century, France was in deep trouble. It had spent too much on the American Revolution and the king, Louis XVI, lived very extravagantly. At the same time, the kingdom faced challenges like poor harvests, droughts, and cattle diseases. These problems led to a shortage of food and high bread prices. This made life very hard for the poor and peasants.
They were already unhappy about the inequalities around them and the heavy taxes. In response, many started to riot and steal. The government’s lack of action only made things worse.
Fiscal Crisis and Bankruptcy
France’s fight in the American Revolution and the king’s spendings had a big impact. The country was almost broke. The money in the royal treasury had run out, making things even worse.
Years of Poor Harvests and Economic Hardship
Things got even more difficult for France. There were many years of bad harvests, droughts, and diseases that affected the cattle. As a result, the prices of food, especially bread, went very high. This was a hard time for the peasants and the city’s poor.
Resentment Towards Inequalities and Tax Burden
The people in France felt a lot of anger because of how unfair the society and politics were. They were also not happy about having to pay such high taxes. The poor response from the government was the final straw. People began to protest more and more, leading to widespread unrest.
Estates General and Third Estate Demands
In 1786, Charles Alexandre de Calonne suggested big changes to taxes. The new plan wanted all to pay tax on their land, also including the rich who didn’t pay before. King Louis XVI called on the Estates General after a long time to discuss this proposal. This Estates General involved groups from all across France like the clergy, nobility, and common people.
King Summons Estates General in 1789
By 1789, France was mostly made up of commoners, not the wealthy classes. The Third Estate made up 98 percent of people but had less power than the nobles and clergy. Before the meeting on May 5, 1789, the Third Estate wanted everyone to have the same say and the nobles’ ability to stop decisions gone.
Non-Aristocratic Third Estate Seeks Equal Representation
In 1789, the Estates General met for the first time in over 170 years. It had three parts: the clergy, nobles, and common people. For this meeting, over 1,200 reps were chosen. Half were from the Third Estate, with 300 each from the First and Second Estates. The Third Estate had 400 nobles joining them, supporting their push for change.
Tennis Court Oath and National Assembly
At Versailles, the Estates General met. A big fight started about how they would vote, overshadowing the king’s authority. The debate got so bad that by June 17, the Third Estate decided to meet alone. They named themselves the National Assembly. A few days later, they gathered at a tennis court nearby. There, they made the famous Tennis Court Oath (serment du jeu de paume) not to leave until they fixed the rules.
Third Estate Declares itself the National Assembly
In just a few days, many clergy and some nobles left their groups to join the Third Estate. Then, on June 27, King Louis XVI accepted the Third Estate as the true National Assembly. This was a big moment, starting the French Revolution. The ordinary people, making up most of France, stood up to the richer, more powerful groups.
Tennis Court Oath on Constitutional Reform
On June 20th, 1789, at the Tennis Court Oath ceremony, 576 Third Estate members signed the oath. They all agreed except one. The oath was led by Jean-Sylvain Bailly and written by Emmanuel Sieyès. People like Isaac Le Chapelier, Bertrand Barère, and Maximilien Robespierre were there. It showed their determination for change.
Later, on June 22nd, the Third Estate met again. This time, 150 clergy and two nobles also joined, against the king’s wishes. By June 27th, the king allowed some from the other groups to join the National Assembly too. It showed the impact of the Tennis Court Oath, making their quest for change seem right.
The Storming of the Bastille
Parisians were thrilled that the king’s power was falling apart. But they got scared when they heard about a military takeover. On July 14, 1789, they rebelled by attacking the Bastille fortress. They wanted to get weapons and gunpowder. This day is now a big holiday in France, marking the start of the French Revolution.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of the Storming of the Bastille | July 14, 1789 |
| Location of the Storming | France, Paris |
| Total Number of Inmates at the Bastille | Seven |
| Estimated Number of Attackers who Died | 98 |
| Number of Invalides who Died | One |
| Number of Invalides and Swiss Guard Members Lynched | Three invalides, two Swiss Guard members |
| Number of Bastille Officers Killed | Three |
| Estimated Weight of Gunpowder Seized | 30,000 pounds |
The Storming of the Bastille was a big turning point in the French Revolution. It started on July 14, 1789. This day is now a special holiday in France. It’s a key day to remember the fight for change.
“The Storming of the Bastille is considered the symbolic start of the French Revolution, as it represented the people’s defiance of the absolute monarchy and the beginning of the establishment of a new political order based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.”
Great Fear and Abolition of Feudalism
A wave of change and fear quickly spread throughout the country. The people had enough of peasant revolts and the looting of nobility. Peasants burned the homes of tax collectors, landlords, and the elite. This event, called the Great Fear (la Grande peur), made nobles leave France in a hurry. It also pushed the government to make a big decision.
On August 4, 1789, the leaders made a significant move. They cancelled the old laws that made peasants almost like slaves. This step was huge. Historian Georges Lefebvre later wrote that it marked the start of a new era in the country.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Percentage of income spent on bread by the poorest in 1789 | Up to 80% |
| Number of unemployed individuals or those lacking support in France around 1789 | 8-11 million, roughly a third of the population |
| Increase in French population between 1770 and 1789 | 2-3 million |
| Number of soldiers summoned to the Paris region by King Louis XVI on July 1, 1789 | 30,000, many of them foreign troops |
The leaders, known as the National Assembly, ended the old system. They got rid of laws that treated some people like they weren’t free. This included the right to own land and hunt anywhere. They also stopped special courts that could decide very harsh punishments.
These changes meant that now, everyone could live and work more freely. Also, people didn’t have to pay unfair taxes anymore. The money from these taxes would now support the church and the people who worked there.
Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
In late August, the National Assembly passed the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. This important document supported values of the Enlightenment. It included ideas from brilliant minds like Jean-Jacques Rousseau. It aimed to end the old ruling system and set up a new one. This new system would offer equal chances, freedom to speak, self-government, and choose leaders.
Democratic Principles and Popular Sovereignty
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen highlighted key points. It stated that all men are naturally free and equal in rights. It focused on how society should only see differences if they help everyone. The document said that the true power belongs to the whole nation. No single person or group should have more say than what the nation agrees upon. It also pointed out that government rules should come from what most people want. And everyone should have a say in making these rules, directly or through chosen people.
Influence of Enlightenment Thinkers
Great thinkers of the Enlightenment era, like Jean-Jacques Rousseau, changed the world. Their ideas had a strong impact on the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. They pushed for the idea that power should come from the approval of the people. The document showed the importance of individual rights, equality, and the voice of the public. This was a stand against the unlimited power of kings. It called for a new, fairer way of doing things in society and in politics.
The French Revolution: Key Events and Consequences
The National Constituent Assembly found drafting a formal constitution hard. They were also acting as a government in tough times. They faced big questions about how France’s political future should look. This included deciding on the king’s role.
Constitutional Monarchy vs Republic Debates
France’s first written constitution was passed on September 3, 1791. It set up a constitutional monarchy. Here, the king could stop laws and picked ministers. But, this wasn’t accepted by all. Leaders like Maximilien de Robespierre, Camille Desmoulins and Georges Danton wanted a republic. They started gaining support against the king, Louis XVI.
Trial and Execution of Louis XVI
King Louis XVI was sent to the guillotine on January 21, 1793, by the National Convention. He was found guilty of high treason and crimes against France. This action moved the revolution towards a more radical path.
War and Rise of Jacobins
During the French Revolution, France went to war with other European countries. The Legislative Assembly declared war on Austria and Prussia in April 1792. They did this because they thought French people who had left were teaming up with the enemies. Their goal was also to share the French Revolution’s ideas with Europe by force. This marked the beginning of the French Revolutionary Wars.
At the same time, things were getting radical within France itself. In August 1792, a radical group called the Jacobins attacked the king’s home in Paris and took King Louis XVI. The next month, a more extreme group called the National Convention got rid of the king and set up the French Republic.
France at War with European Powers
Deciding to fight Austria and Prussia was crucial in the French Revolution. The Legislative Assembly believed French people living abroad were joining enemies to fight back against the revolution. They thought by going to war, they could stop these plots and share the French Revolution’s key ideas – like liberty and equality – across Europe by force.
Jacobin Faction Seizes Control
The situation in France grew more dangerous as the war efforts picked up. A radical group, the Jacobins, stormed the King’s palace in Paris in August 1792 and captured King Louie XVI. By the next month, the National Convention replaced the Legislative Assembly and got rid of the king. This created the French Republic.
Reign of Terror
After King Louis XVI was executed, France was at war with other countries. The National Convention was also deeply divided. This led to the bloodiest phase of the French Revolution. In June 1793, the Jacobins, who were more extreme, took over from the Girondins. They started making radical changes, like creating a new calendar and attacking Christianity.
Thousands Executed Under Robespierre
The Jacobins began the Reign of Terror, where anyone against the Revolution was killed. This happened from 1793 to 1794 and was very violent. Robespierre, a key figure, made many people suffer the guillotine. Even he faced his own execution on July 28, 1794.
Dechristianization and New Calendar
The Jacobins wanted to change the structure of society. They started removing Christianity and tried to set up a new, different religion. They also introduced a brand-new calendar. It was unlike the usual one, marking the year in a revolutionary way. The new calendar included 12 months, each 30 days long, with extra days at the end of the year.
Thermidorian Reaction and Directory
The Thermidorian Reaction started after Robespierre’s death. This marked a shift towards moderation. The French people fought back against the extremism of the Reign of Terror. On August 22, 1795, the National Convention, led mainly by Girondins who survived, adopted a new constitution. This constitution set up France’s first bicameral legislature. A five-member Directory was put in charge by the parliament. This was a big change from the past. Even though some groups were not happy with the new system, they couldn’t do much against the army. The military had a new leader, Napoleon Bonaparte, who was very successful.
Reaction Against Excesses of Terror
The Thermidorian Reaction period was from July 27, 1794, when Robespierre left power, to November 2, 1795, when the Directory started. This was a time when the French people said ‘enough’ to the widespread fear and violence. Reign of Terror ended on July 28, 1794, after tens of thousands of lives were lost. A change came on August 1, 1794. This is when the harsh laws that justified the Terror were thrown out. In the whole month of August 1794, only 6 people were executed in Paris. This was a big drop from 342 the month before.
Five-Member Executive Directory Formed
The National Convention agreed to a new constitution on August 22, 1795. This set up France’s first bicameral legislature and put a five-member Directory (Directoire) in charge. This was a move towards a more balanced government. The Constitution of the Year III also set up electoral colleges and special rules for those in power. The Convention ended its work on October 25, 1795. On November 2, 1795, the Directory was officially begun.
Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte
The Directory’s rule was filled with problems such as financial crises and political corruption. By the late 1790s, the military was needed to keep order. Napoleon Bonaparte took over on November 9, 1799, ending the Directory and becoming the first consul of France. This marked the end of the French Revolution and the start of Napoleon’s time, where France grew powerful in Europe.
Military Leadership and Coup d’état
Napoleon’s quick rise was due to his strong military skills. He was well-respected and led a coup that led to the Directory’s fall. This ended the Revolution and began the Napoleonic era, with France’s big influence on Europe.
End of Revolution and Napoleonic Era Begins
After becoming First Consul in 1800, Napoleon got more power. In 1804, he became Emperor, starting the Napoleonic era. During this time, France gained control over Europe through wars. It changed Europe’s politics and led to the creation of modern countries and true democracy.
Legacy and Impact
The French Revolution has a huge and lasting impact. It ended old ways of governing and brought new ideas to life. These new ideas were about people having a say in how they are ruled, everyone being equal, and rights for everyone. The revolution’s motto, “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité” (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity), inspired movements all over Europe and beyond.
Napoleon’s era followed the revolution. His actions spread the Enlightenment’s ideas widely in Europe. He shaped Europe’s politics and society in ways that are still felt today. Napoleon’s time brought both good and bad changes.
The French Revolution’s effects are still seen today. It impacted how we think about politics and society. It influenced later fights for freedom, fairness, and self-rule. This continues to inspire efforts for a better, fairer world.
Source Links
- https://www.history.com/topics/european-history/french-revolution
- https://www.britannica.com/event/French-Revolution
- https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-worldhistory2/chapter/the-beginning-of-revolution/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estates_General_of_1789
- https://en.chateauversailles.fr/discover/history/key-dates/summoning-estates-general-1789
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis_Court_Oath
- https://alphahistory.com/frenchrevolution/tennis-court-oath/
- https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/french-revolution
- https://www.neh.gov/article/storming-bastille-led-democracy-not-long
- https://www.britannica.com/event/storming-of-the-Bastille
- https://www.worldhistory.org/Great_Fear/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abolition_of_feudalism_in_France
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Fear
- https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/csj-sjc/ilp-pji/rev5/index.html
- https://www.elysee.fr/en/french-presidency/the-declaration-of-the-rights-of-man-and-of-the-citizen
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/Jacobin-Club
- https://www.worldhistory.org/Reign_of_Terror/
- https://www.worldhistory.org/Thermidorian_Reaction/
- https://www.britannica.com/place/France/The-Thermidorian-Reaction
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermidorian_Reaction
- https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/napoleon/revolution-to-empire/the-rise-of-napoleon.html
- https://www.mometrix.com/academy/the-french-revolution-napoleon-bonaparte/
