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History

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18 views2 pages

History

Uploaded by

Archana Arun
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

History (The French Revolution)

The French Revolution (1789–1799) was a major turning point in European history. It
overthrew the monarchy, established a republic, and spread ideas of liberty and equality
across the world.

🔹 Causes

1. Social Inequality:

o French society was divided into three estates:

 First Estate: Clergy.

 Second Estate: Nobility.

 Third Estate: Common people (97% of population, paid heavy taxes).

2. Economic Crisis:

o Heavy taxation on peasants.

o Rising bread prices due to poor harvests.

o France’s debts from wars (e.g., American Revolution).

3. Weak Monarchy:

o King Louis XVI was indecisive and extravagant.

o Queen Marie Antoinette unpopular due to lavish spending.

4. Enlightenment Ideas:

o Thinkers like Rousseau and Voltaire inspired people with ideas of liberty,
equality, and fraternity.

🔹 Major Events

 1789: Storming of the Bastille → symbol of tyranny.

 National Assembly: Declared rights of man and citizen.

 1791–92: Constitutional monarchy fails; king tried to flee.

 1793–94: Reign of Terror under Robespierre.

 1799: Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.


🔹 Consequences

 End of absolute monarchy.

 Rise of republican values.

 Spread of revolutionary ideas across Europe.

 Inspired revolutions in Latin America and elsewhere.

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