Causes and Outcomes of the 1789 Revolution

The French social hierarchy was divided into three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners. The nobility was further divided into the 'higher' nobility and the 'lower' nobility. The lower nobility often resented the power and wealth of the higher nobility.

The 'lower' nobility was comprised of those with less wealth and power compared to the 'higher' nobility. They held titles but lacked significant landholdings and influence.

The French king, Louis XVI, inherited the monarchy in a time of immense pressure and needed to make choices that would satisfy different groups. The nobility, clergy, and commoners demanded change, each with their own needs and desires.

The 'parlements' were regional courts in France. They comprised noble lawyers primarily interested in preserving their privileges. Their role sometimes involved blocking royal orders, leading to conflicts.

The French monarchy in the 18th century, before the revolution. It was characterized by absolute rule, a rigid social hierarchy, and financial instability.

The period of intellectual and cultural ferment in Europe during the 18th century, emphasizing reason, science, and individual liberty. Key figures include Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu.

The king's advisors, known as courtiers and ministers, were divided about the role of the monarchy. Some wanted more absolute power for the king, while others desired a more collaborative approach, involving the aristocracy in decision-making.

French King from 1774 to 1792, who faced mounting financial crisis and popular unrest, ultimately leading to the French Revolution.

The king appointed officials called 'intendants' to administer local regions in France. These officials were often disliked by the parlements as they felt their authority was being undermined.

An intellectual and philosophical movement in 18th century France that emphasized reason, logic, and individual rights, influencing the French Revolution and the development of modern thought.

A French philosopher who criticized the Church's power and wealth, advocating for religious tolerance and attacking the injustices of the French legal system.

Queen of France during the reign of Louis XVI. Her Austrian origin and extravagant lifestyle made her unpopular.

The different perspectives and power struggles between the king, his advisors, the nobility, and the parlements created a complex and often inflexible system in France.

A French political philosopher who advocated for a system of checks and balances in government, emphasizing the rule of law and equality before the law.

A French economist and philosopher who advocated for free trade, limited government intervention, and the importance of agriculture. He influenced the physiocrats and contributed to the development of classical economics.

The king's advisors, the nobility, and the parlements exhibited conflicting views on how the king should rule. These underlying differences made it difficult to find agreement on crucial decisions.

A French economist and statesman who served as Finance Minister under Louis XVI. He attempted to reform French finances but faced opposition and was ultimately dismissed.

A French writer and philosopher who promoted independent thinking, critical questioning, and the advancement of knowledge through the creation of his encyclopaedia of ‘sciences, arts and crafts’.

French diplomat and statesman who served as Foreign Minister under Louis XVI. He was a strong advocate for France's involvement in the American Revolutionary War.

A prominent figure in the Enlightenment who advocated for education, wrote about power and liberty, and proposed ways to reconcile authority with freedom in society.

A French economist who criticized restrictions on the free production and movement of goods in France, arguing for the importance of free-market principles.

A Swiss banker who served as Finance Minister under Louis XVI. He attempted to improve the French economy but faced opposition from the aristocracy.

A French monarch who faced growing pressures for change before the revolution. He was weak, indecisive, and ultimately executed, contributing to the escalation of the Revolution.

The period of significant and widespread social, economic and political changes from 1789-1799, characterized by revolution and war, resulting in the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic.

The Third Estate, representing commoners, declared itself the 'National Assembly', asserting that sovereignty (supreme power) belonged to the people, not the monarchy.

The 'Tennis Court Oath' signified the Assembly's determination to continue meeting until they established a new, reformed constitution, addressing injustices and grievances.

The poor harvest of 1788 led to widespread hunger and a tense atmosphere, fueling public unrest and demands for change.

The First and Second Estates, comprising the clergy and nobility, refused to support reforms demanded by the Third Estate, prioritizing their own privileges over the nation's concerns.

A lack of clear leadership from the king and his court on crucial issues created instability and further aggravated the situation.

Some clergy and noblemen recognized the potential danger of the growing unrest and the need for reforms to prevent widespread upheaval.

The king's attempt to close the assembly's meeting room only fueled the Assembly's resolve and solidified their power.

The Third Estate's actions in forming the National Assembly marked the beginning of a series of events that ultimately led to the French Revolution, a period of immense upheaval and change.

A meeting of high-ranking nobles and clergy convened by King Louis XVI to address France's financial crisis in 1787. The Assembly aimed to find solutions to the country's mounting debt and economic troubles, but failed to reach a consensus due to conflicting interests and mistrust of the government.

The French finance minister who attempted to address France's financial crisis by calling the Assembly of Notables in 1787. Calonne was disliked by the Notables and lacked support from the king and government. His attempts to gain support for reforms ultimately failed, leading to his dismissal.

The French finance minister who replaced Calonne in 1787. Brienne, as President of the Assembly of Notables, was seen as a figure of influence within the assembly. However, he faced a lack of support from the king, who disliked and distrusted him. He also faced opposition from the parlements – the highest courts in France – who refused to support Brienne's tax increases.

The dismissal of the Assembly of Notables by King Louis XVI in 1787 after they demanded accurate information about the royal finances. This event increased public discontent and fueled opposition to the king's authority, contributing to the growing instability that led to the French Revolution.

The lack of transparency and inaccurate representation of the royal finances during the period leading to the French Revolution. The public was unaware of the gravity of the financial crisis and the true extent of the government's indebtedness.

A powerful institution in France during the 18th century, the Parlement of Paris served as the highest court in the country. It played a significant role in the events leading to the French Revolution, particularly through its resistance to King Louis XVI's attempts to raise taxes.

The increasing discontent and opposition to the French monarchy that began to emerge in the late 1780s. This was fueled by a growing awareness of the government's financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and the king's failure to address the concerns of the people. This discontent culminated in the French Revolution in 1789.

The French Revolution, a period of upheaval and societal transformation that took place primarily in France between 1789 and 1799. It swept away the old order of monarchy and aristocracy, replacing it with a republic based on principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The Revolution had a profound impact on France and the rest of Europe, shaping the modern world in significant ways.

The French people, especially the middle and lower classes, were furious with the king's decision to exile the members of the Parlement, a powerful body that represented the interests of the nobility. This act of defiance against the king sparked a widespread protest and demonstrated growing resentment towards the monarchy.

The king's inability to understand the financial crisis and his poor management of the situation further fueled tensions. His actions, like arresting and imprisoning the leaders of the opposition, intensified public discontent and led to a surge in protests across the country. This showed how inept and detached the king was from the concerns of the people.

Despite the growing calls for reform and change, the nobility and clergy struggled to be on the same page regarding their privileges and the need for adjustments. This division between those who enjoyed privilege and those who saw their inequality as a problem contributed to the growing tension, setting the stage for further conflict.

The French army was seen as unreliable due to both financial constraints and shortcomings in leadership among the nobility. This weakness, combined with the growing dissent, made it clear that the monarchy's ability to maintain order was crumbling.

The king's refusal to participate in a potential conflict in the Netherlands due to the lack of funds exposed France's financial vulnerability. This event, combined with the public awareness of the state's bankruptcy, further undermined the king's authority and fueled the demand for change.

The widespread publication of pamphlets demanding social, economic and political reforms reflected the intensity of public opinion and the growing desire for change.

The Parlement, representing the interests of the nobility, called for a complete constitutional change, a demand widely supported by the public. This reflected the shift in power dynamics towards the people and away from the monarchy.

The dismissal of Brienne, a minister who understood the financial crisis and was working on solutions, further eroded public trust in the king's leadership. This action only intensified the discontent and sense of helplessness amongst the people.