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French Revolution Summary

The French Revolution (1789-1799) was driven by social inequality, economic crisis, and political factors, leading to the formation of the National Assembly. Key events included the storming of the Bastille, the establishment of a republic, and the Reign of Terror, culminating in Napoleon's rise to power. Its legacy includes the end of feudal privileges, the spread of democratic ideals, and the inspiration for future revolutions.

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13 views1 page

French Revolution Summary

The French Revolution (1789-1799) was driven by social inequality, economic crisis, and political factors, leading to the formation of the National Assembly. Key events included the storming of the Bastille, the establishment of a republic, and the Reign of Terror, culminating in Napoleon's rise to power. Its legacy includes the end of feudal privileges, the spread of democratic ideals, and the inspiration for future revolutions.

Uploaded by

3dzin6mrz0
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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French Revolution (1789–1799) – Summary Notes

1. Background & Causes


- Social Inequality: French society divided into three estates:
- 1st Estate: Clergy (privileged, no taxes)
- 2nd Estate: Nobility (privileged, no taxes)
- 3rd Estate: Commoners (bourgeoisie, peasants, workers — paid all taxes)
- Economic Crisis:
- Heavy debt from wars (including American Revolution support)
- Poor harvests → food scarcity & high bread prices
- Extravagant spending by monarchy
- Political Factors:
- Absolute monarchy under Louis XVI
- Enlightenment ideas (liberty, equality, fraternity) from thinkers like
Rousseau, Voltaire, Locke
- Immediate Trigger:
- Estates-General meeting (May 1789) → 3rd Estate forms National Assembly

2. Key Events
- 14 July 1789: Storming of the Bastille — symbol of royal tyranny
- August 1789: Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
- 1791: Constitutional monarchy established
- 1792: France becomes a republic; monarchy abolished
- 1793–1794: Reign of Terror under Robespierre — mass executions of “enemies of the
revolution”
- 1795: Directory government formed
- 1799: Napoleon Bonaparte’s coup ends the Revolution; Consulate established

3. Impact & Legacy


- End of feudal privileges in France
- Spread of democratic ideals across Europe and beyond
- Rise of nationalism
- Inspired revolutions in other countries
- Showed power of the people to challenge absolute rule

4. Timeline (Quick Reference)


- 1774: Louis XVI becomes king
- 1789: Estates-General → National Assembly → Bastille stormed
- 1791: Constitution limits king’s power
- 1792: Republic declared
- 1793: King Louis XVI executed
- 1793–94: Reign of Terror
- 1799: Napoleon seizes power

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