Introduction – What Was the French Revolution?

• The French Revolution began in 1789 and lasted till 1799.
• It ended monarchy in France and established a republic.
• The revolution introduced democratic principles like liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• It inspired many future revolutions across the world.

French Society Before the Revolution – The Old Regime

Before the revolution, France was ruled by an absolute monarchy under King Louis XVI.

The Three Estates – Social Structure of France

Problems in the Old Regime

• The Third Estate paid all the taxes but had no rights.
• Clergy and Nobles lived in luxury, while common people suffered.
• The King ruled with absolute power, ignoring people’s problems.

Causes of the French Revolution

The revolution happened due to economic crisis, social injustice, political corruption, and the influence of new ideas.

Economic Crisis

• France was in debt due to wars and extravagant spending by King Louis XVI.
• Heavy taxation on the Third Estate led to suffering.
• Bad harvests (1787-1788) led to food shortages and high bread prices.

Social Injustice

• First and Second Estates had all privileges, while the Third Estate suffered.
• Peasants and workers demanded equal rights.

Weak Monarchy

• King Louis XVI was an inefficient ruler who ignored problems.
• Queen Marie Antoinette was unpopular and spent lavishly.

Influence of Enlightenment Ideas

• Thinkers like John Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu promoted freedom, democracy, and equality.
• People demanded their natural rights and wanted an end to absolute monarchy.

The Estates-General and the National Assembly (1789)

• The Estates-General (a political meeting) was called by King Louis XVI in May 1789 to solve France’s financial crisis.
• The Third Estate demanded equal voting rights, but the King refused.
• On June 17, 1789, the Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly, starting the revolution.

The Tennis Court Oath (June 20, 1789)

• The King locked the Third Estate out of the meeting hall.
• They gathered in a tennis court and vowed not to separate until they created a constitution.
• This marked the first step towards democracy in France.

The Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789)

• The Bastille was a prison that symbolized the King’s absolute power.
• On July 14, 1789, revolutionaries stormed the Bastille, killing guards and taking weapons.
• This event symbolized the beginning of the French Revolution.

The Abolition of Feudalism and the Declaration of Rights (1789)

• In August 1789, the National Assembly abolished feudalism (privileges of the First and Second Estates).
• The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen was adopted, stating:
  • All men are born free and equal.
  • Government should protect people’s rights.
  • Freedom of speech, press, and religion.

The End of Monarchy and the Execution of the King (1793)

• The monarchy was abolished in 1792, and France became a republic.
• King Louis XVI was put on trial for treason and executed by guillotine in January 1793.
• Queen Marie Antoinette was also executed.

The Reign of Terror (1793–1794)

• Maximilien Robespierre became the leader of the revolution.
• He used the guillotine to execute anyone suspected of being against the revolution.
• Thousands, including nobles, clergy, and even revolutionaries, were executed.
• Robespierre was later arrested and executed, ending the Reign of Terror.

Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte (1799)

• In 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte seized power in France through a coup.
• He declared himself Emperor in 1804, ending the revolution.
• Napoleon introduced new laws, expanded the French empire, and modernized administration.

Impact of the French Revolution

The revolution had long-lasting effects on France and the world.

Impact on France

• Ended monarchy and feudal privileges.
• Established a democratic government.
• Introduced new laws and rights for citizens.

Impact on the World

• Inspired revolutions in Europe, Latin America, and India.
• Spread democratic ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• Led to the abolition of slavery in France’s colonies.

Conclusion

• The French Revolution (1789) ended monarchy and established democracy.
• It was caused by economic crisis, social injustice, weak monarchy, and Enlightenment ideas.
• The Estates-General and the Tennis Court Oath marked the beginning of the revolution.
• The Storming of the Bastille symbolized the people’s power.
• The Declaration of Rights introduced equality and freedom.
• King Louis XVI was executed, and the Reign of Terror led to mass killings.
• Napoleon took power in 1799, ending the revolution.
• The revolution inspired democratic movements worldwide.