The French RevolutionIntroduction
The French Revolution began in 1789 and ended in the late 1790s with the
rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The Revolution led to the end of monarchy in France and paved the way for
modern democracies.
Causes of the French Revolution Social Inequality French society was divided
into three estates:
the First Estate (clergy), the Second Estate (nobility), and the Third Estate
(commoners).
The Third Estate, despite being the largest, was burdened with taxes and had
little political power.
Economic Problems
France was in financial crisis due to overspending by King Louis XVI and the
cost of wars (e.g., American War of Independence).
Poor harvests led to food shortages and high prices, causing hardship for the
common people. Weak Leadership King Louis XVI was indecisive and
ineffective, unable to manage the country’s financial crisis or the growing
discontent.
Influence of Enlightenment Ideas Enlightenment thinkers like Rousseau,
Voltaire, and Montesquieu criticized absolute monarchy and promoted ideas
of equality, freedom, and democracy.
Key Events of the French Revolution
Meeting of the Estates-General (May 1789)
King Louis XVI called a meeting of the Estates-General to address the
financial crisis. The Third Estate was frustrated by the unequal voting
system.
Formation of the National Assembly (June 1789)
The Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly, vowing to draft a new
constitution.
Tennis Court Oath (June 1789)
The French Revolution began in 1789 and ended in the late 1790s with the
rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The Revolution led to the end of monarchy in France and paved the way for
modern democracies.
Causes of the French Revolution Social Inequality French society was divided
into three estates:
the First Estate (clergy), the Second Estate (nobility), and the Third Estate
(commoners).
The Third Estate, despite being the largest, was burdened with taxes and had
little political power.
Economic Problems
France was in financial crisis due to overspending by King Louis XVI and the
cost of wars (e.g., American War of Independence).
Poor harvests led to food shortages and high prices, causing hardship for the
common people. Weak Leadership King Louis XVI was indecisive and
ineffective, unable to manage the country’s financial crisis or the growing
discontent.
Influence of Enlightenment Ideas Enlightenment thinkers like Rousseau,
Voltaire, and Montesquieu criticized absolute monarchy and promoted ideas
of equality, freedom, and democracy.
Key Events of the French Revolution
Meeting of the Estates-General (May 1789)
King Louis XVI called a meeting of the Estates-General to address the
financial crisis. The Third Estate was frustrated by the unequal voting
system.
Formation of the National Assembly (June 1789)
The Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly, vowing to draft a new
constitution.
Tennis Court Oath (June 1789)
