Causes of the French Revolution

The French Revolution

• A period of radical social and political upheaval in late 18th-century France, significantly impacting European history.

Causes of the Revolution

• Social Inequality: France's rigid social hierarchy (clergy, nobility, commoners) led to resentment among the commoners (Third Estate) who bore the brunt of taxes while the privileged classes enjoyed exemptions.
• Economic Crisis: Poor harvests and extravagant monarchy spending created a severe economic crisis. High taxes and widespread poverty fuelled discontent.
• Enlightenment Ideas: The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, individual rights, and popular sovereignty challenged the absolute monarchy, inspiring reform. Thinkers like Rousseau and Montesquieu influenced revolutionary leaders.
• Weak Leadership: King Louis XVI's perceived weakness and indecisiveness in addressing the crisis, combined with his extravagance, further alienated the common people.

Stages of the Revolution

• Moderate Phase: Initial aim for reforms within the existing framework. Key events included the storming of the Bastille (symbolising overthrow of royal authority) and the creation of the National Assembly, representing the people.
• Radical Phase: The revolution became more radical due to political factions. The Reign of Terror, marked by mass executions under leaders like Robespierre, aimed to eliminate counter-revolutionaries.
• Directory Phase: Following the Reign of Terror, political instability occurred. The Directory, a five-member executive, ruled France ineffectively, leading to Napoleon Bonaparte's rise.

Key Figures

• Louis XVI: King of France during the revolution, executed.
• Marie Antoinette: Queen of France, executed.
• Maximilien Robespierre: Prominent revolutionary leader, orchestrator of the Reign of Terror.
• Napoleon Bonaparte: Rising military leader who seized power, becoming Emperor of France, effectively ending the revolution.

Impact of the Revolution

• End of absolute monarchy: The French monarchy was abolished and a republic established.
• Spread of revolutionary ideals: Revolutionary ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity spread throughout Europe and influenced later independence movements.
• Rise of nationalism: Strong sense of French national identity and unity emerged.
• Changes in social structures & laws: Dismantling of feudal privileges and establishment of legal equality.

Key Outcomes

• Establishment of a republic: The French monarchy was abolished and a republic formed.
• End of feudalism: The old feudal system, with its rigid hierarchies and privileges, was dismantled.
• Rise of nationalism: Shared national identity and unity emerged.
• Spread of liberal ideas: Revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity influenced other parts of Europe and the world, influencing later revolutions and reforms.

Legacy

• The French Revolution remains a defining moment in European history, shaping political thought and social structures. The ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity continue to be foundational principles in many societies today.