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What were two significant achievements of the French Revolution?
What were two significant achievements of the French Revolution?
Which political change took place as a result of the French Revolution?
Which political change took place as a result of the French Revolution?
How did the French Revolution influence other regions of the world?
How did the French Revolution influence other regions of the world?
What concept was significantly influenced by the French Revolution?
What concept was significantly influenced by the French Revolution?
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Which core ideas of the French Revolution continue to impact political thought today?
Which core ideas of the French Revolution continue to impact political thought today?
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What was a primary cause of discontent among the French peasantry leading up to the French Revolution?
What was a primary cause of discontent among the French peasantry leading up to the French Revolution?
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Which event marked the beginning of the Moderate Phase of the French Revolution?
Which event marked the beginning of the Moderate Phase of the French Revolution?
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What significant political change occurred during the Moderate Phase?
What significant political change occurred during the Moderate Phase?
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Who was largely responsible for the mass executions during the Reign of Terror?
Who was largely responsible for the mass executions during the Reign of Terror?
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What was the outcome of the Reign of Terror?
What was the outcome of the Reign of Terror?
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What social structure fueled discontent in pre-revolutionary France?
What social structure fueled discontent in pre-revolutionary France?
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Which form of government was established after the end of the Reign of Terror?
Which form of government was established after the end of the Reign of Terror?
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Which ideology championed by the Enlightenment challenged the existing social order in France?
Which ideology championed by the Enlightenment challenged the existing social order in France?
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Study Notes
Causes of the French Revolution
- The French peasantry faced heavy taxation and feudal obligations, lacking political representation.
- The French aristocracy held significant land and privileges, but were largely exempt from taxation.
- The French crown, while holding absolute power, was perceived as inefficient and corrupt.
- Widespread famine and poor harvests, exacerbated by poor weather, led to significant hardship.
- Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity challenged the existing social order.
- Inequality in the social structure, with the rigid Three Estates system, fuelled discontent.
- France faced a severe financial crisis, worsened by extravagant royal spending.
Stages of the French Revolution
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The Moderate Phase (1789-1792):
- The storming of the Bastille, a symbol of royal authority, initiated the revolution.
- The National Assembly created the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, defining fundamental rights.
- Feudalism was abolished, ending aristocratic privileges.
- A constitutional monarchy limited the king's power.
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The Radical Phase (1792-1794):
- The execution of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette marked a shift towards a republic.
- Radical groups, like the Jacobins, gained control.
- The Reign of Terror, characterized by mass executions of perceived enemies, was overseen by Maximilien Robespierre.
- The Committee of Public Safety centralized government, consolidating authority.
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The Thermidorian Reaction (1794-1795):
- The Reign of Terror concluded with Robespierre's execution.
- The Directory, a new government, was established, marked by political instability and corruption.
Key Figures
- Louis XVI: French King, overthrown and executed during the revolution.
- Marie Antoinette: Queen of France, executed alongside her husband.
- Maximilien Robespierre: Prominent Jacobin leader, driving force behind the Reign of Terror.
- Georges Danton: Prominent Jacobin leader, who played a role in the revolutionary government, but later fell out of favor with Robespierre.
Outcomes of the French Revolution
- The French Revolution reshaped the political landscape of Europe.
- The abolition of feudalism and declaration of human rights were significant achievements.
- The political system transitioned from a monarchy to a republic.
- The rise of Napoleon Bonaparte and the subsequent wars considerably impacted European history.
- Revolutionary ideas spread across Europe.
- France experienced substantial social and political change.
- The revolution influenced other global revolutionary movements.
Impact of the French Revolution
- The French Revolution drastically transformed French society and governance.
- The revolution sparked similar movements in Europe, fostering the spread of revolutionary ideals and the drive for democratic reforms.
- The revolution laid the groundwork for modern European nationalism.
- The ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity continue to shape political thought today.
- The revolution significantly impacted the balance of power in Europe.
- The revolution introduced new political ideologies, influencing the development of modern political institutions.
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Description
Explore the key causes and major phases of the French Revolution. Understand the social inequalities, financial crises, and the impact of Enlightenment ideals that fueled the unrest. Discover how these factors culminated in pivotal events like the storming of the Bastille.