Scribd
Upload
25 views

French Revolution

Uploaded by

haider5654680
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
25 views

French Revolution

Uploaded by

haider5654680
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

The French Revolution: A Path to Liberty and Equality

Table of Contents:
▪ Introduction
▪ Background
▪ Political Context
▪ Economic Challenges
▪ Key Events
▪ Causes of the Revolution
▪ Positive Outcomes
▪ Negative Consequences
▪ Conclusion

Compiled By: Khurshid Iqbal


Introduction:
The French Revolution was a major turning point in history that began in 1789. For the next decade,
common French people rose up to overthrow the French monarchy and demand rights and reforms They
were motivated by novel libertarian, egalitarian, and democratic concepts from the Enlightenment.

The unjust feudal system in France was abolished during the French Revolution, which also stripped the
Catholic Church of its authority and introduced concepts such as human rights through texts such as the
Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen.

However, the revolution also ushered in violent periods such as the Reign of Terror, during which countless
people were executed by guillotine. The massive changes from the French Revolution replaced absolute
rule with more democratic ideals and impacted people across Europe and around the world. The
revolution's quest for fair government and individual rights provided a model for future revolutions in
history.

Background
In the late 1700s, French society was divided into three estates - the clergy, nobility, and commoners. The
privileged clergy and nobility enjoyed exemptions from most taxes and owned much of the land. Many
commoners lived in poverty. Socially, the old feudal system gave the nobility all the top positions in
government and the military.

Politically:
France was an absolute monarchy ruled by King Louis XVI. He held all governmental power but was often
indecisive. For decades, the costs of wars left France deep in debt. Advisors urged Louis XVI to reform
France's tax structure and governing system.

Economically:
France faced a major crisis. Harvest failures caused food shortages, driving up bread prices that hit the
poorest the hardest. To fund the American Revolution, the government borrowed heavily, and the national
debt ballooned. This economic and financial strain impacted France's commoners most severely.

Socially stratified:
Lacking political representation, and struggling economically, many French people were inspired by
Enlightenment ideas of liberty and equality. They began questioning why they should pay heavy taxes yet
have no right to participate in government. By 1789, these tensions reached a boiling point, leading to the
start of the French Revolution.

Compiled By: Khurshid Iqbal


Key Events:
1. Calling of the Estates General and Tennis Court Oath in 1789

King Louis XVI summoned the Estates General, who declared themselves the National Assembly and
swore to create a constitution.

2. Storming of the Bastille in July 1789


On July 14, angry crowds stormed the Bastille fortress, sparking the start of the revolution against
the monarchy.

3. Women's March on Versailles in October 1789

Thousands of market women marched to Versailles to protest bread prices, bringing the royal
family back to Paris.

4. Establishment of First French Republic in 1792


After the monarchy was abolished, France became a republic guided by representatives and
elected leadership.

5. The Reign of Terror from 1793-1794


Radical Jacobins began mass executions of enemies and dissidents, killing thousands by guillotine.

6. The Directory as France's new government from 1795-1799


After the Reign of Terror, the Directory acted as France's executive body until Napoleon's coup.

Causes:
➢ Economic and social inequalities under the feudal system French society was divided into
clergy, nobles, and commoners with huge wealth gaps, and commoners lacked opportunities.
➢ Ideas of liberty and democracy from the Enlightenment French thinkers promoted ideals like
equality, liberty, democracy, and human rights that influenced the revolution.
➢ Resentment of Louis XVI's absolute rule and Marie Antoinette King Louis XVI held total power
but was indecisive, while Marie Antoinette was hated for lavish spending.
➢ France's financial crisis Costs of wars left France in heavy debt, food shortages drove up prices,
and the poor bore the economic strains.

Compiled By: Khurshid Iqbal


Positive Outcomes:
Ended the French monarchy and introduced democratic reforms. The revolution ended
absolutist rule and paved the way for representative government.

Abolished unfair feudal laws and privileges of the nobility & clergy. The revolution got rid of the
unfair feudal system and noble rights, making more equal laws.

Established ideals like human rights and equality before the law. The revolution promoted ideas
of human rights, equality, and citizenship for all.

Reduced the Catholic Church's political and social power. The Catholic Church lost land and
power over government affairs and education.

Negative Consequences:
The Reign of Terror's mass executions without trials. The government executed thousands by
guillotine without trials during the Reign of Terror.

Women failed to gain political rights. Despite promote equality, the revolution did not extend
political rights to women.

Sparking years of war between France and other European powers the revolution led to long
wars as monarchies fought revolutionary France.

Conclusion:
The French Revolution was a major turning point in history. It ended the absolute monarchy in France and
introduced new ideas like democracy, human rights, and equality before the law. However, the revolution
also caused violence and war. The changes brought by the French Revolution were huge. They inspired
people across Europe who wanted reform and more rights. The ideals and reforms from the revolution
continue to inspire democratic movements in the world today.

Compiled By: Khurshid Iqbal

You might also like