The French Revolution was a period of radical social upheaval and political change from 1787 to 1799. It laid down the foundation of liberal democracy and completely changed the relationship between rulers and ordinary citizens.
Few events have changed the face of France and Europe quite like the French Revolution. Sparked by the need to end unfair taxation and lack of representative government, the French Revolution brought about drastic changes in both France and elsewhere.
When did the French Revolution start and end?
The French Revolution began on July 14, 1789, with the storming of Bastille and came to an end with the formation of the French Consulate and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte in November 1799. He later established himself as emperor following ten years of civil war between the royalists and the republicans.
What Caused the French Revolution?
The French Revolution was caused due to a combination of various social and political factors, such as poor economic conditions due to mismanagement by the government, high inflation, extreme poverty and inadequate leadership skills of the French kings.
Social Causes of the French Revolution
A. Economic and Social Inequality in France
The vast disparity in the wealth and power held by the upper and lower classes was a major cause of the French Revolution. The core ideas of the French Revolution were rooted in the struggles of the First and Second Estates with the third estate, which comprised approximately 98% of the French Population.
B. Failure to Reform Tax System
France was in a deep financial crisis due to costly wars, failed harvests and the rising cost of bread. The taxes were so high that people could barely afford to buy food for their families, which led to outrage among the public as the First and Second Estates were excluded from paying taxes.
C. Discontent with Monarchy and Aristocracy
France was an absolute monarchy with no system of checks and balances or a representative government before the French Revolution. The French monarchy and aristocracy lived a lavish life, while the people from the lower classes had no say in the governance or decision-making and had to bear most of the tax burden, leading to widespread resentment.
Political Causes of the French Revolution
A. Enlightenment Ideas Sparking New Thoughts
Europe was going through The Age of Enlightenment during the late eighteenth century. The ideas of freedom, equality, social justice, and human rights promoted by the Enlightenment movement were examined and embraced by the commoner, who desired to challenge the monopoly of Monarchy and Church leaders.
B. Rise of Nationalism in France
The French Revolution gave rise to a new form of nationalism based on loyalty to the people and the nation instead of the monarch. The focus on the ideals of liberty, freedom and equality led to an increase in the popularity of the revolutionary ideas.
Key leaders of the French Revolution
Many leaders rose to prominence during the French Revolution, with the most important being Maximilien Robespierre, Georges-Jacques Danton, and Jean-Paul Marat. Other key leaders of the French Revolution were Marquis de Lafayette, Étienne-Maurice Gérard de Saint-Just, Louis XVI and Napolean Bonaparte.
Major events of the French Revolution
Here is an overview of some of the major events that took place during the French Revolution:
A. The Storming of the Bastille: On July 14, 1789, a crowd of Parisian citizens stormed the notorious Bastille prison in search of ammunition and arms. The revolutionary victory sparked jubilation in Paris and signalled an end to absolutism in France. The Storming of the Bastille is often perceived to be the symbolic start to the French Revolution.
B. Declaration of Rights: The representatives of the Third Estate created a “declaration of rights” outlining political principles, including freedom from arbitrary arrest, security against vandalism and terrorism, equality before the law, universal suffrage, the right to own property, and religious freedom in August 1789.
C. The Reign Of Terror: The period from roughly September 5 1793 – July 28, 1794, was marked by chaos as Revolutionary leaders Maximilien Robespierre and Jean-Paul Marat sought to silence their opposition with widespread guillotine executions labelled “the Terror”. During this period over 16 thousand people were tried and executed for perceived violations against Republican ideals – some victims being beheaded without even being charged or tried!
D. Napoleon’s Coup d’état: On November 9-10, 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte became the first consul of France following a coup d’etat, despite strong resistance from “royalists” across Europe. He brought stability back to his country during what would become known as Modern Age; However, his tax reforms and tight military control posed serious injustice to the French citizens.
Effects of the French Revolution
A. Abolition of Monarchy and Feudalism
One of the primary outcomes of the French Revolution was the abolition of monarchy and feudalism. The aristocrats lost their special privileges and the King was no longer the central authority in the power structure. It led to drastic changes, such as freedom for serfs to move freely and relocation support for those bound with their landowners.
B. Spread of Republicanism Through Europe
The French Revolution became one of the primary points of political debate throughout the other nations of Europe. Discussions regarding new forms of governance became frequent in Italy, Spain, Ireland, Germany and other European countries. The idealogy of Republicanism, with ideals of liberty, freedom and equality, provided an alternative to the monarchic rule.
C . Formation Of Modern France
The revolutionary forces laid down the framework for the formation of modern France. The reforms laid down by the revolutionaries led to increased development throughout the previously neglected areas of rural France and the creation of French Secularism. The reformist movements that followed the revolution culminated in modern-day France– a secular nation built on liberal freedoms, backed by strong economic and cultural development.