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French_Revolution_Notes

The French Revolution (1789-1799) marked a significant transformation in France, ending monarchy and promoting democracy influenced by Enlightenment ideas. Key events included the formation of the National Assembly, the storming of the Bastille, and the Reign of Terror, leading to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. The Revolution resulted in social, political, and economic reforms, abolishing feudal privileges and inspiring future democratic movements worldwide.

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28 views

French_Revolution_Notes

The French Revolution (1789-1799) marked a significant transformation in France, ending monarchy and promoting democracy influenced by Enlightenment ideas. Key events included the formation of the National Assembly, the storming of the Bastille, and the Reign of Terror, leading to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. The Revolution resulted in social, political, and economic reforms, abolishing feudal privileges and inspiring future democratic movements worldwide.

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545satyamkv42021
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The French Revolution - Class Notes

1. Introduction
- The French Revolution (1789-1799) was a period of major social and political change in France.
- It led to the end of monarchy, rise of democracy, and the emergence of modern political ideas.
- The Revolution was influenced by Enlightenment ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

2. Causes of the French Revolution


a) Social Causes
- French society was divided into three estates:
- First Estate: Clergy (privileged, paid no taxes).
- Second Estate: Nobility (also privileged, exempt from taxes).
- Third Estate: Common people (peasants, workers, bourgeoisie; paid high taxes and had no
privileges).

b) Economic Causes
- France faced a financial crisis due to excessive spending by the monarchy.
- Heavy taxation on the Third Estate while the First and Second Estates enjoyed exemptions.
- Poor harvests led to food shortages and increased prices.

c) Political Causes
- Absolute monarchy under Louis XVI.
- Unfair representation in the Estates-General (each estate had one vote despite population
differences).
- Demand for reforms was ignored by the king.

d) Intellectual Causes
- Enlightenment philosophers like Rousseau, Voltaire, and Montesquieu inspired people to
challenge authority.
- Ideas of democracy, freedom, and equality spread among the people.

3. Key Events of the French Revolution


a) Meeting of the Estates-General (May 1789)
- Called by King Louis XVI to solve the financial crisis.
- The Third Estate was ignored, leading to protests.

b) Formation of the National Assembly (June 1789)


- The Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly, representing the people of France.
- Took the Tennis Court Oath, vowing to create a new constitution.

c) Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789)


- The Bastille, a symbol of royal oppression, was attacked by revolutionaries.
- Marked the beginning of the Revolution.

d) Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (August 1789)


- Stated that all men are born free and equal.
- Ensured basic rights like liberty, property, and security.

e) Women's March on Versailles (October 1789)


- Women demanded bread and forced the king and queen to move to Paris.

f) Abolition of Monarchy (1792)


- King Louis XVI was executed in 1793.
- France became a republic under the leadership of the National Convention.

g) The Reign of Terror (1793-1794)


- Led by Robespierre and the Jacobins.
- Thousands were executed, including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette.
- Ended with the execution of Robespierre.

h) Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte (1799)


- The Revolution ended with Napoleon seizing power through a coup d'état.
- He established a strong government and expanded French influence in Europe.

4. Effects of the French Revolution


a) Social and Political Changes
- Feudalism and privileges of the First and Second Estates were abolished.
- Declaration of Rights of Man promoted equality and freedom.
- Inspired future democratic movements worldwide.

b) Economic Reforms
- More equitable tax system introduced.
- State-controlled church lands.

c) Rise of Nationalism
- People began identifying as citizens of a nation rather than subjects of a king.

5. Conclusion
- The French Revolution was a turning point in world history.
- It ended monarchy, established democracy, and inspired revolutionary movements globally.
- Despite its violence, the Revolution laid the foundation for modern political and social structures.

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