FRENCH REVOLUTION (1789) – EXAM SHORT
NOTES
1. Introduction
The French Revolution began in 1789 and was a major turning point in world history. It
ended absolute monarchy in France and introduced ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
2. Main Causes
Social Inequality - French society had 3 Estates. 1st & 2nd Estate had privileges. 3rd
Estate (97% of population) paid all taxes and had no political rights.
Economic Crisis - Heavy debt from wars + luxurious spending by King. High bread prices
led to hunger among common people.
Weak Leadership - King Louis XVI was indecisive and failed to solve the financial crisis.
Queen Marie Antoinette was unpopular.
Enlightenment Ideas - Philosophers like Rousseau, Voltaire, Montesquieu promoted
democracy, equality, and freedom.
3. Important .Events in Order
1. Meeting of Estates-General – May 1789. Called to solve financial crisis.
2 Tennis Court Oath – 20 June 1789. 3rd Estate declared themselves National
Assembly.
3. Storming of Bastille – 14 July 1789. Prison attacked for weapons. National holiday
of France today.
4. Abolition of Feudalism – August 1789. Special privileges of nobles ended.
4. Major Effects
1. End of Monarchy : Louis XVI executed in 1793. France became a Republic.
2. Declaration of the Rights of Man : 1789. Gave rights like liberty, property, security,
resistance to oppression.
NOTES
1. Introduction
The French Revolution began in 1789 and was a major turning point in world history. It
ended absolute monarchy in France and introduced ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
2. Main Causes
Social Inequality - French society had 3 Estates. 1st & 2nd Estate had privileges. 3rd
Estate (97% of population) paid all taxes and had no political rights.
Economic Crisis - Heavy debt from wars + luxurious spending by King. High bread prices
led to hunger among common people.
Weak Leadership - King Louis XVI was indecisive and failed to solve the financial crisis.
Queen Marie Antoinette was unpopular.
Enlightenment Ideas - Philosophers like Rousseau, Voltaire, Montesquieu promoted
democracy, equality, and freedom.
3. Important .Events in Order
1. Meeting of Estates-General – May 1789. Called to solve financial crisis.
2 Tennis Court Oath – 20 June 1789. 3rd Estate declared themselves National
Assembly.
3. Storming of Bastille – 14 July 1789. Prison attacked for weapons. National holiday
of France today.
4. Abolition of Feudalism – August 1789. Special privileges of nobles ended.
4. Major Effects
1. End of Monarchy : Louis XVI executed in 1793. France became a Republic.
2. Declaration of the Rights of Man : 1789. Gave rights like liberty, property, security,
resistance to oppression.
