The French Revolution (1789-1799)

The French Revolution

• The French Revolution (1789-1799) brought about radical social, political, and economic change in France, influencing global history.

Causes of the French Revolution

Political Causes

• Absolute monarchy existed under King Louis XVI.
• The Third Estate lacked representation in the Estates-General.
• Weak leadership struggled with financial crises.

Social Causes

• Inequality existed among the Three Estates
• The First Estate (Clergy) was privileged and exempt from taxes.
• The Second Estate (Nobility) owned land, held privileges, and were exempt from taxes.
• The Third Estate (Commoners) consisted of the Bourgeoisie, peasants, and urban workers who were heavily taxed.
• Widespread resentment was felt towards the privileged classes.

Economic Causes

• A financial crisis arose due to France's involvement in costly wars like the American Revolution.
• Poor harvests led to food shortages and rising bread prices.
• The Third Estate faced heavy taxation while the privileged classes remained exempt.

Intellectual Causes

• Enlightenment ideas promoting liberty, equality, and fraternity influenced the revolution.
• Philosophers like Rousseau, Voltaire, and Montesquieu challenged traditional monarchy and social hierarchy.

Key Figures of the French Revolution

• King Louis XVI was the Monarch of France, who was executed in 1793.
• Marie Antoinette was the Queen of France and a symbol of royal extravagance, she was executed as well.
• Maximilien Robespierre led the Jacobins and was a key figure in the Reign of Terror.
• Georges Danton was a revolutionary leader who initially supported the Reign of Terror but was later executed.
• Jean-Paul Marat was a radical journalist and politician who was assassinated by Charlotte Corday.

Key Events of the French Revolution

• Estates-General: The meeting of the three estates led to the Third Estate forming the National Assembly.
• Tennis Court Oath: The National Assembly vowed to create a constitution.
• Storming of the Bastille: This event marked the start of the Revolution and symbolized the fall of absolute monarchy.
• The Great Fear: Peasants revolted, leading to the abolition of feudal privileges.
• Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen: This established principles of liberty and equality.
• Women's March on Versailles: Women demanded bread and forced the king to move to Paris.
• Execution of Louis XVI: France became a republic, and the monarchy was abolished.
• Reign of Terror: Led by Robespierre, it involved mass executions of perceived enemies.
• Thermidorian Reaction: This marked the fall of Robespierre and the end of radical Jacobin rule.
• Rise of the Directory: A more moderate government took control before Napoleon's rise.

Effects of the French Revolution

• The revolution ended absolute monarchy and feudal privileges.
• It led to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
• It inspired democratic ideals worldwide.

Napoleon Bonaparte

• Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) was a French military leader and emperor who rose during the French Revolution, leading France in the Napoleonic Wars.

Early Life

• Napoleon had military successes and became a general at a young age; victories occurred in Italy and Egypt.
• Coup of 18 Brumaire: He overthrew the weak Directory, establishing the Consulate and becoming First Consul.
• He crowned himself Emperor of France.

Key Figures of Napoleon's Era

• Napoleon Bonaparte was the Emperor of France, leading numerous military campaigns.
• Josephine Bonaparte was Napoleon's first wife and an influential political figure.
• The Duke of Wellington commanded the British and defeated Napoleon at Waterloo.
• Tsar Alexander I of Russia opposed Napoleon, contributing to his downfall.
• Klemens von Metternich was an Austrian diplomat who was a key figure at the Congress of Vienna.

The Fall of Napoleon

• Napoleon was defeated by the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo.

Effects of Napoleon's Rule

• Nationalist ideas spread across Europe.
• The Napoleonic Code had a lasting influence.
• Changes in European borders led to the Congress of Vienna in 1815.
• Monarchies weakened, and liberalism strengthened.

The Russian Revolution

• The Russian Revolution of 1917 resulted in the collapse of the Russian monarchy and the establishment of a communist government under the Bolsheviks.

Causes of the Russian Revolution

Political Causes

• Autocratic rule existed under Tsar Nicholas II.
• There was a lack of political representation and the failure of the Duma.

Social Causes

• Inequality existed between nobles and peasants.
• Poor working conditions were prevalent in cities.

Economic Causes

• Food shortages and economic collapse occurred during World War I.

Military Causes

• Defeats in World War I led to low morale among soldiers.

Influence of Karl Marx

• Socialist and communist ideas spread.

Key Events of the Russian Revolution

• Bloody Sunday: The Tsar's troops massacred peaceful protesters.
• February Revolution: Tsar Nicholas II abdicated, and a Provisional Government was established under Alexander Kerensky.
• Bolshevik Revolution: Led by Lenin, the Bolsheviks overthrew the Provisional Government and established communist rule.
• Treaty of Brest-Litovsk: Russia exited World War I by signing a treaty with Germany.
• Civil War: The Bolsheviks (Reds) fought against anti-communists (Whites), with the Bolsheviks winning.
• Execution of the Romanovs: The Bolsheviks executed the royal family.
• Creation of the Soviet Union: Lenin established a communist state.

Key Figures of the Russian Revolution

• Tsar Nicholas II was the last Emperor of Russia, abdicating in 1917.
• Vladimir Lenin led the Bolsheviks and established the Soviet Union.
• Leon Trotsky was a revolutionary leader who organized the Red Army.
• Joseph Stalin was a Bolshevik leader who later became dictator of the USSR.
• Alexander Kerensky was the Head of the Provisional Government before the Bolsheviks took power.

Legacy of the Russian Revolution

• It ended the Russian monarchy and led to the rise of communism.
• A socialist state (USSR) was established.
• It influenced other communist movements worldwide.
• Cold War tensions started between the USSR and Western nations.
• Stalin's policies of industrialization and collectivization shaped the USSR's economy.