Yazan: ODYOMUH

The French Revolution (1789-1799) was a pivotal moment in world history that overthrew the monarchy, established a republic, and fundamentally transformed political and social structures across Europe and beyond. This study guide covers the causes, major events, key figures, and lasting impact of the revolution.

History Notes

The French Revolution

1789-1799 | The Birth of Modern Democracy

Overview

The French Revolution: A period of radical political and social transformation in France (1789-1799) that overthrew the monarchy, established a republic based on democratic principles, and ended with Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power.
Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity - The Revolutionary Motto

The French Revolution is considered one of the most important events in human history. It challenged the traditional order of monarchy and aristocracy, introduced concepts of citizenship and inalienable rights, and inspired revolutionary movements worldwide for centuries to come.

French Society Before the Revolution: The Three Estates

Pre-revolutionary France was divided into three social classes called "Estates." This rigid system created deep inequalities that fueled revolutionary sentiment.

First Estate
The Clergy
~0.5%
of population
Catholic Church officials. Owned 10% of land. Paid no taxes. Collected tithes from peasants.
Second Estate
The Nobility
~1.5%
of population
Aristocrats and nobles. Owned 25% of land. Paid almost no taxes. Held top government positions.
Third Estate
Everyone Else
~98%
of population
Bourgeoisie, peasants, urban workers. Paid ALL taxes. Had no political power. Included wealthy merchants to starving farmers.

Key Problem: In the Estates-General, each estate had ONE vote, meaning the First and Second Estates (2% of population) could always outvote the Third Estate (98% of population).

Causes of the Revolution

💰
Financial Crisis
France was bankrupt from wars (including American Revolution support) and royal extravagance
⚖️
Social Inequality
98% of people paid all taxes while having no political voice or rights
📚
Enlightenment Ideas
Philosophers like Rousseau, Voltaire, and Montesquieu spread ideas of liberty and equality
🍞
Food Shortages
Bad harvests in 1788 caused bread prices to soar; peasants were starving
👑
Weak Leadership
King Louis XVI was indecisive; Queen Marie Antoinette was unpopular and seen as wasteful
🗽
American Revolution
Success of American independence inspired the French and proved change was possible

Key Events Timeline

May 5, 1789
Estates-General Convenes
King Louis XVI召集 the Estates-General (first time since 1614) to address financial crisis. Third Estate demands voting reform.
June 17, 1789
National Assembly Formed
Third Estate declares itself the National Assembly, claiming to represent the French people. Revolutionary government begins.
June 20, 1789
Tennis Court Oath
Locked out of their meeting hall, Assembly members gather at a tennis court and swear not to disband until France has a constitution.
July 14, 1789
Storming of the Bastille
Parisian mob storms the Bastille prison, symbol of royal tyranny. This date becomes France's national holiday (Bastille Day).
August 26, 1789
Declaration of the Rights of Man
"All men are born free and equal in rights." This document becomes foundation of modern human rights.
October 5, 1789
Women's March on Versailles
Thousands of women march to Versailles demanding bread. Royal family forced to move to Paris.
June 1791
Flight to Varennes
Royal family attempts to flee France but is captured. Trust in the king collapses.
September 1791
Constitutional Monarchy
New constitution creates a constitutional monarchy with limited royal power.
April 1792
War with Austria & Prussia
Revolutionary France declares war on Austria. European monarchies unite against the revolution.
September 21, 1792
Republic Proclaimed
Monarchy abolished. France becomes a republic. Year I of the revolutionary calendar begins.
January 21, 1793
Execution of Louis XVI
King Louis XVI guillotined for treason. Shocks European monarchies.
1793-1794
Reign of Terror
Radical phase led by Robespierre. Approximately 17,000 officially executed, possibly 40,000 total deaths.
July 27, 1794
Fall of Robespierre
Thermidorian Reaction: Robespierre arrested and executed. Terror ends.
November 9, 1799
Napoleon's Coup
Napoleon Bonaparte seizes power. Revolution ends, Consulate begins.

Phases of the Revolution

Phase 1: Moderate Phase 1789-1792

Constitutional monarchy established. Moderate reforms implemented.

  • Declaration of Rights of Man adopted
  • Feudal privileges abolished
  • Church lands nationalized
  • Constitutional monarchy created
  • Led by bourgeoisie and liberal nobles
Phase 2: Radical Phase 1792-1794

Republic established. Extreme measures taken against enemies.

  • Monarchy abolished, republic declared
  • King Louis XVI executed
  • Reign of Terror under Robespierre
  • War against European coalition
  • Led by Jacobins and sans-culottes

The Reign of Terror (1793-1794)

The most violent period of the revolution, led by the Committee of Public Safety under Maximilien Robespierre.

  • Goal: Protect the revolution from internal and external enemies
  • Method: Mass executions by guillotine
  • Victims: ~17,000 officially executed (nobles, clergy, and eventually revolutionaries themselves)
  • End: Robespierre himself guillotined on July 28, 1794
Phase 3: Directory 1795-1799

Conservative reaction. Unstable government leads to Napoleon's rise.

  • Five-man Directory rules France
  • Corruption and inefficiency widespread
  • Continued wars in Europe
  • Napoleon rises as military hero
  • Ends with Napoleon's coup d'état (1799)

Key Figures

Louis XVI
King of France
Indecisive monarch who failed to address France's problems. Executed 1793.
Marie Antoinette
Queen of France
Austrian-born queen, symbol of royal excess. Executed 1793.
Maximilien Robespierre
Jacobin Leader
Led the Terror. Called "The Incorruptible." Guillotined 1794.
Jean-Paul Marat
Radical Journalist
Inflammatory writer who called for violence. Assassinated 1793.
Georges Danton
Revolutionary Leader
Powerful orator. Fell out with Robespierre, guillotined 1794.
Napoleon Bonaparte
Military General
Rose to power during revolutionary wars. Ended revolution in 1799.

Important Documents

Document Date Significance
Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen August 1789 Foundation of modern human rights. Declared all men free and equal.
Constitution of 1791 September 1791 Created constitutional monarchy with limited royal power.
Constitution of 1793 June 1793 Most democratic constitution, but never implemented due to war.
Civil Constitution of the Clergy July 1790 Made clergy state employees. Created conflict with Catholic Church.
Napoleonic Code 1804 Legal code that preserved some revolutionary principles across Europe.

Impact and Legacy

Political Impact

  • End of absolute monarchy in France
  • Rise of nationalism
  • Spread of democratic ideals
  • Inspired revolutions worldwide
  • Rise of Napoleon and modern warfare

Social Impact

  • Abolished feudalism and serfdom
  • Ended noble privileges
  • Advanced concept of citizenship
  • Church power reduced
  • Merit over birth in government

Economic Impact

  • Church lands redistributed
  • Guilds abolished (free enterprise)
  • Metric system introduced
  • Economic liberalism advanced
  • Property rights strengthened

Global Impact

  • Haitian Revolution (1791)
  • Latin American independence movements
  • 1848 Revolutions across Europe
  • Foundation for modern democracy
  • Universal human rights concept

Lasting Legacy: The French Revolution's ideals of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty continue to influence politics worldwide. The Declaration of the Rights of Man inspired the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).

KEY POINTS - Remember for Exams!

  • Duration: 1789-1799 (10 years)
  • Three Estates: Clergy, Nobility, Everyone Else (98%)
  • Causes: Financial crisis, inequality, Enlightenment, food shortage
  • Storming of Bastille: July 14, 1789 (French national holiday)
  • Declaration of Rights of Man: "All men are born free and equal"
  • Louis XVI executed: January 21, 1793
  • Reign of Terror: 1793-1794, led by Robespierre
  • Revolution ends: Napoleon's coup, November 1799
  • Motto: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité
  • Legacy: Modern democracy, human rights, nationalism

Related Topics

  • The Enlightenment
  • American Revolution
  • Napoleon Bonaparte
  • Napoleonic Wars
  • Congress of Vienna (1815)
  • Industrial Revolution
  • Revolutions of 1848