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History Class Notes

The French Revolution (1789–1799) marked a significant social and political upheaval in France, leading to the end of the monarchy and the rise of democratic ideals. Key causes included social inequality, economic crisis, Enlightenment ideas, and weak leadership, while pivotal events included the Estates-General, the Tennis Court Oath, and the Storming of the Bastille. The revolution resulted in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, the spread of revolutionary ideas globally, and ultimately paved the way for the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.

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35 views6 pages

History Class Notes

The French Revolution (1789–1799) marked a significant social and political upheaval in France, leading to the end of the monarchy and the rise of democratic ideals. Key causes included social inequality, economic crisis, Enlightenment ideas, and weak leadership, while pivotal events included the Estates-General, the Tennis Court Oath, and the Storming of the Bastille. The revolution resulted in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, the spread of revolutionary ideas globally, and ultimately paved the way for the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.

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mifahec223
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History Class Notes

Topic: The French Revolution


Date: January 20, 2025
Instructor: Ms. Williams

1. Introduction to the French Revolution

The French Revolution (1789–1799) was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It led to the end of the monarchy, the rise of
democracy, and significant changes to French society and government. The revolution inspired other movements around the world, especially in
Europe and the Americas.

2. Causes of the French Revolution

Social Inequality:
French society was divided into three estates:

First Estate: The clergy (about 1% of the population).


Second Estate: The nobility (about 2% of the population).
Third Estate: The common people (about 97% of the population), including peasants, city workers, and bourgeoisie (middle class).
The Third Estate was burdened with heavy taxes, while the First and Second Estates enjoyed privileges.

Economic Crisis:
France was in debt due to costly wars (including support for the American Revolution) and extravagant spending by King Louis XVI and
Queen Marie Antoinette. Crop failures in the 1780s led to food shortages and high bread prices, worsening the situation for the poor.

Enlightenment Ideas:
Philosophers like John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Voltaire challenged traditional structures of power and authority, promoting
ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Weak Leadership:
King Louis XVI was indecisive and ineffective in addressing France’s problems. Queen Marie Antoinette was unpopular due to her lavish
lifestyle, which contrasted sharply with the hardships of the common people.

3. Key Events of the Revolution

The Estates-General (May 1789):


King Louis XVI called together the Estates-General to address the financial crisis. The Third Estate, feeling underrepresented, proclaimed
itself the National Assembly and vowed to draft a new constitution for France.
The Tennis Court Oath (June 20, 1789):
Members of the National Assembly were locked out of their meeting hall, so they gathered in a tennis court and swore not to disband until a
new constitution was established.

Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789):


Revolutionaries stormed the Bastille, a prison in Paris, symbolizing the people’s rebellion against the monarchy and the old regime. This
event is still celebrated in France as Bastille Day.

The Reign of Terror (1793-1794):


Led by Robespierre and the radical Jacobins, this period saw mass executions of perceived enemies of the revolution, including King Louis
XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. The guillotine became a symbol of the Revolution.

The Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte (1799):


After years of instability, Napoleon, a military leader, seized power in a coup d'état. In 1804, he declared himself Emperor of France, marking
the end of the Revolution but the beginning of a new era.

4. Effects of the French Revolution


End of Absolute Monarchy:
The monarchy was abolished, and the idea of a republic took hold. The French Revolution shifted power from the monarchy to the people,
paving the way for modern democratic governance.

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen:


This document, adopted by the National Assembly in 1789, outlined the principles of individual and collective rights, including liberty,
property, and resistance to oppression.

Spread of Revolutionary Ideas:


The revolution inspired other nations to challenge their own monarchies and aristocracies. Revolutions in Haiti, Latin America, and even
parts of Europe were influenced by the events in France.

Social and Political Change:


The old social hierarchy was dismantled, feudal privileges were abolished, and the power of the Catholic Church was reduced. The
revolution also influenced the rise of nationalism and secularism in France and beyond.

5. Important Figures

King Louis XVI:


The last King of France before the revolution, executed in 1793.
Marie Antoinette:
Queen of France, symbol of royal excess, and executed alongside her husband.

Maximilien Robespierre:
Leader of the Jacobins and one of the principal architects of the Reign of Terror.

Napoleon Bonaparte:
Military leader who rose to prominence during the revolution and eventually became Emperor of France.

6. Key Terms
Bastille: A royal prison and symbol of the monarchy’s oppression.
National Assembly: A revolutionary assembly formed by the Third Estate to represent the people.
Guillotine: A device used for executions during the Reign of Terror.
Jacobins: Radical revolutionaries who played a key role in the Reign of Terror.
Republic: A form of government in which power rests with the people and their elected representatives.
7. Homework:
Read Chapter 6: The Radical Phase of the French Revolution (pages 98-105).
Essay (Due Friday): How did the Enlightenment influence the French Revolution? Discuss at least two Enlightenment thinkers and their
ideas.

8. End of Class Summary:


The French Revolution was driven by inequality, economic hardship, and Enlightenment ideas, resulting in the collapse of the monarchy and
the rise of radical changes.
Key moments like the storming of the Bastille and the Reign of Terror were pivotal in shaping modern democracy and challenging old
systems of power.

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