French Society Before the Revolution

The French Society Before the Revolution

• French society in the 18th century was divided into three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners (third estate).
• The first two estates (clergy and nobility) enjoyed privileges by birth, including exemption from paying taxes.
• The third estate, encompassing most of the population (peasants, artisans, and bourgeoisie), bore the brunt of taxation.
• This unequal distribution of privileges and the tax burden created significant social and economic inequalities.

The Growth of Ideas Related to Liberty and Equality

• Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, promoted by philosophers like John Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu, influenced the French people.
• These ideas emphasized natural rights and challenged the absolute monarchy's legitimacy.
• The American Revolution's success in establishing republican ideals further inspired French revolutionaries.

Economic Hardship

• France faced severe economic problems in the 18th century, marked by lavish court spending, expensive wars, and poor harvests.
• High taxes and food shortages burdened the common people, increasing discontent.
• The unequal distribution of wealth between the privileged classes and the commoners worsened the situation.

The Beginning of the Revolution

• The French Revolution began in 1789 with the storming of the Bastille, a royal prison, symbolizing the people's defiance of the monarchy.
• The growing demand for a constitution ensuring citizens' rights challenged the king's absolute authority.
• The National Assembly was formed to demand reforms and draft a constitution that limited the king's power.

The French Constitution of 1791

• The 1791 constitution established a constitutional monarchy, limiting the king's powers.
• Power shifted to the Legislative Assembly, elected by the people.
• The constitution aimed to create a more just and egalitarian society based on liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The Reign of Terror

• The execution of Louis XVI in 1793 was a pivotal moment.
• The revolutionary government, led by Maximilien Robespierre, implemented the Reign of Terror.
• This period involved the execution of thousands suspected of opposing the revolution.
• Extreme violence and instability characterized French society during the Reign of Terror.

The Rise of Napoleon

• The revolution culminated in the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, a remarkable military leader.
• His ascent to power marked the end of the revolutionary phase and the establishment of a new government.
• Napoleon's conquests significantly altered the European political landscape.

The Legacy of the French Revolution

• The French Revolution profoundly impacted France and the world.
• The ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity gained global influence.
• The revolution challenged the existing social and political order, leading to democratic reforms.
• The revolutionary spirit inspired movements for national liberation and social change globally.

Key Figures of the French Revolution

• Louis XVI: King of France during the revolution, executed in 1793.
• Marie Antoinette: Queen of France, executed alongside Louis XVI.
• Maximilien Robespierre: Leader of the Committee of Public Safety, instrumental in the Reign of Terror, later executed.
• Napoleon Bonaparte: Military leader who rose to power during the revolution, eventually becoming Emperor of France.
• Important revolutionary figures included Danton, Marat, and various other activists and reformers.

Important Events

• 1789: The storming of the Bastille marked the start of the French Revolution and the declaration of the National Assembly.
• 1791: The Constitution was adopted.
• 1793: The execution of Louis XVI and the initiation of the Reign of Terror.
• 1799: The coup d'état of 18 Brumaire led to Napoleon's rise to power.

Key Concepts

• Estates General: France's representative assembly of the three estates.
• National Assembly: The assembly formed by representatives of the third estate.
• Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen: A document asserting fundamental rights and freedoms.
• Reign of Terror: A period of intense violence and repression during the revolution.
• Napoleonic Era: The period after the revolution, characterized by Napoleon's rule.
• Liberty, Equality, Fraternity: Core principles of the French Revolution.