Short Notes

French Society Before the Revolution

French society in the late 18th century was divided into three estates.
The First Estate was the clergy. The Second Estate was the nobility.
The Third Estate comprised everyone else, from peasants to wealthy merchants. The third
estate paid the majority of the taxes while the first and second estates enjoyed privileges
and exemptions.

Causes of the Revolution

Economic Crisis: France faced an economic crisis due to extravagant spending by the
monarchy and aid provided to the American colonies in their fight for independence from
Britain.
Taxation: To address the financial problems, King Louis XVI attempted to impose new
taxes, which disproportionately burdened the already struggling Third Estate.
Social Inequality: The stark contrast between the lavish lifestyles of the nobility and
clergy and the poverty of the Third Estate fueled resentment and a desire for change.
Enlightenment Ideas: The ideas of philosophers like Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu,
advocating for individual rights, a social contract, and separation of powers, influenced the
French people's desire for a more just and representative government.

Key Events of the Revolution

Estates General and the National Assembly (1789): Louis XVI convened the Estates
General to approve new taxes, but the Third Estate, demanding equal representation,
declared themselves the National Assembly and vowed to create a constitution.
Tennis Court Oath (June 20, 1789): The National Assembly, locked out of their meeting
hall, convened in a nearby tennis court and swore an oath not to disband until a
constitution was established, marking a turning point in their defiance of the monarchy.
Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789): Parisians, fueled by rumors and fearing
repression, stormed the Bastille, a symbol of royal authority, marking the beginning of the
French Revolution.
Abolition of Feudalism (August 4, 1789): The National Assembly abolished feudal
privileges and obligations, signaling a major shift in power away from the nobility and
 clergy.
Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (1789): This document proclaimed
fundamental rights for all men, such as liberty, equality before the law, freedom of speech,
and representative government.
France Becomes a Constitutional Monarchy (1791): The National Assembly completed
a constitution, limiting the king's power and establishing a constitutional monarchy, though
with limited voting rights based on property ownership.
France Becomes a Republic (1792): Following France's declaration of war against
Austria and Prussia and growing internal unrest, the monarchy was abolished, and France
was declared a republic, with voting rights extended to all men regardless of wealth.
Reign of Terror (1793-1794): Led by Robespierre, the Jacobins, a radical revolutionary
group, implemented harsh policies, including price controls, rationing, and the execution of
perceived enemies of the revolution, creating a climate of fear and repression.
The Directory (1795-1799): After Robespierre’s fall, the Directory, a five-person executive
body, governed France. The Directory was marked by political instability and ultimately
gave way to Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to power.

Role of Women in the Revolution

Active Participation: Women actively participated in revolutionary events, such as
storming the Bastille and marching on Versailles.
Demands for Rights: Women formed political clubs and newspapers, demanding equal
rights, including the right to vote, hold office, and access education and job opportunities.
Setbacks and Continued Struggle: Despite some initial gains in legal rights, women
faced setbacks during the Reign of Terror, with their clubs banned and political activities
suppressed. Their fight for equal rights continued for centuries.

Abolition of Slavery
The Convention (1794): The National Convention abolished slavery in French colonies,
though this proved temporary.
Napoleon and Reintroduction of Slavery (1802): Napoleon Bonaparte reinstated slavery in
French colonies, demonstrating the complex and often contradictory nature of
revolutionary ideals.
Final Abolition (1848): Slavery was finally abolished in French colonies in 1848,
highlighting the long struggle for human rights.
Legacy of the French Revolution
The French Revolution had a profound and lasting impact on France and the world. It
challenged absolutist monarchies and promoted democratic ideals.
Concepts such as popular sovereignty, natural rights, and the separation of powers
inspired movements for political and social change globally.