French Revolution Overview

The French Revolution

• The French Revolution began in 1789, fueled by fear of King Louis XVI's potential use of military force against the people.
• French society was divided into three Estates: clergy (First Estate), nobility (Second Estate), and commoners (Third Estate), encompassing merchants, lawyers, artisans, peasants, and laborers. 90% of the population belonged to the Third Estate.
• The privileged First and Second Estates owned significant land and were exempt from taxation, while the burdened Third Estate carried the tax burden.
• France's massive debt, exceeding 1 billion livres, stemmed from the extravagant lifestyle of the King and the cost of supporting the American Revolution.
• To address the financial crisis, King Louis XVI summoned the Estates-General in 1789.
• The Third Estate demanded equal representation and voting rights, leading to the formation of the National Assembly.
• The storming of the Bastille, a royal prison, on July 14, 1789, symbolized the start of the revolution, fueled by rumors of the King deploying his army against the people. Only seven prisoners were found inside the Bastille.
• The National Assembly, representing the Third Estate, abolished feudal privileges and declared itself the supreme law-making body.
• A new constitution was drafted in 1791, severely curtailing the King's powers and establishing a constitutional monarchy.
• Feudal rights were abolished, and citizens' rights were declared equal.
• The revolution resulted in the abolition of slavery in French colonies.
• France transitioned to a republic with elected representatives.
• Louis XVI was executed for treason on January 21, 1793.
• The French Revolution was a period of social and political upheaval from 1789 to 1799, sparking from economic hardship, political inequality, and intellectual ferment.
• Contributing factors included rising population, decreasing harvests, high unemployment, and increased cost of living.
• The Third Estate, including working people and peasants, protested high prices and tax burdens.
• In 1789, King Louis XVI called a meeting of the Estates-General, a body representing the three estates.
• The Third Estate, with 600 representatives, demanded more power and voting rights.
• The king's refusal led the Third Estate to form the National Assembly.
• The National Assembly declared itself the supreme power in France.
• Louis XVI became King of France in 1774 at 20 years old. France was heavily in debt after aiding the American colonies.

The Reign of Terror

• The Reign of Terror (1793-1794) was marked by violence and repression under the Committee of Public Safety, established to defend the republic.
• Thousands were executed for opposing revolutionary ideals during the Reign of Terror.
• The Jacobin Club, led by Maximilien Robespierre, took power after the revolution.
• This period saw extreme violence and executions of those suspected of opposing the revolution.

The Directory

• The Directory (1795-1799) was a five-member executive body that followed the Reign of Terror.
• The Directory faced significant challenges in maintaining stability and order amid revolution's turmoil.

The Napoleonic Era

• Napoleon Bonaparte, a prominent figure during the French Revolution, became Emperor of France in 1804.
• Napoleon's Napoleonic Code unified and simplified French law, influencing legal systems across Europe.
• Napoleon's conquests expanded French territory and shaped European development.
• Napoleon was ultimately defeated at the Battle of Waterloo (1815) and exiled.
• The French Revolution ended absolute monarchy in France and ushered in a republic.
• The French Revolution profoundly impacted world history, inspiring revolutions and reforms across Europe and beyond.

The Storming of the Bastille

• On July 14, 1789, the Bastille prison in Paris was stormed by a crowd believing the King was planning to attack the people.
• The event marked the beginning of the French Revolution.
• The Bastille was a symbol of royal tyranny and oppression.
• Only seven prisoners were found inside.
• The storming of the Bastille led to the fall of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic.