The French Revolution - Class Notes
1. Introduction
- The French Revolution (1789-1799) was a period of major social and political change in France.
- It led to the end of monarchy, rise of democracy, and the emergence of modern political ideas.
- The Revolution was influenced by Enlightenment ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
2. Causes of the French Revolution
a) Social Causes
- French society was divided into three estates:
- First Estate: Clergy (privileged, paid no taxes).
- Second Estate: Nobility (also privileged, exempt from taxes).
- Third Estate: Common people (peasants, workers, bourgeoisie; paid high taxes and had no
privileges).
b) Economic Causes
- France faced a financial crisis due to excessive spending by the monarchy.
- Heavy taxation on the Third Estate while the First and Second Estates enjoyed exemptions.
- Poor harvests led to food shortages and increased prices.
c) Political Causes
- Absolute monarchy under Louis XVI.
- Unfair representation in the Estates-General (each estate had one vote despite population
differences).
- Demand for reforms was ignored by the king.
d) Intellectual Causes
- Enlightenment philosophers like Rousseau, Voltaire, and Montesquieu inspired people to
challenge authority.
- Ideas of democracy, freedom, and equality spread among the people.
3. Key Events of the French Revolution
a) Meeting of the Estates-General (May 1789)
- Called by King Louis XVI to solve the financial crisis.
- The Third Estate was ignored, leading to protests.
b) Formation of the National Assembly (June 1789)
- The Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly, representing the people of France.
- Took the Tennis Court Oath, vowing to create a new constitution.
c) Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789)
- The Bastille, a symbol of royal oppression, was attacked by revolutionaries.
- Marked the beginning of the Revolution.
d) Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (August 1789)
- Stated that all men are born free and equal.
- Ensured basic rights like liberty, property, and security.
e) Women's March on Versailles (October 1789)
- Women demanded bread and forced the king and queen to move to Paris.
f) Abolition of Monarchy (1792)
- King Louis XVI was executed in 1793.
- France became a republic under the leadership of the National Convention.
g) The Reign of Terror (1793-1794)
- Led by Robespierre and the Jacobins.
- Thousands were executed, including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette.
- Ended with the execution of Robespierre.
h) Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte (1799)
- The Revolution ended with Napoleon seizing power through a coup d'état.
- He established a strong government and expanded French influence in Europe.
4. Effects of the French Revolution
a) Social and Political Changes
- Feudalism and privileges of the First and Second Estates were abolished.
- Declaration of Rights of Man promoted equality and freedom.
- Inspired future democratic movements worldwide.
b) Economic Reforms
- More equitable tax system introduced.
- State-controlled church lands.
c) Rise of Nationalism
- People began identifying as citizens of a nation rather than subjects of a king.
5. Conclusion
- The French Revolution was a turning point in world history.
- It ended monarchy, established democracy, and inspired revolutionary movements globally.
- Despite its violence, the Revolution laid the foundation for modern political and social structures.
