French Revolution

Introduction

• Late 18th century French society, discussing struggle and equality
• Mention of the Gypsy community and Hitler
• Focus on Class 9th preparation, roadmap from October
• One-shot revision series: French Revolution

Late 18th Century and French Society

• Old Regime (before 1789) and monarchs of France
• Population increase and subsistence crisis, lack of food grain production
• Taxation system: First Estate (Clergy), Second Estate (Nobility), Third Estate (Common people)
• Rise of the Middle Class: Importance of education and trade
• Influence of philosophers: John Locke, Rousseau, Montesquieu

Outbreak of Revolution

• Meeting of the Estates General in 1789: Demands of the Third Estate
• National Assembly and Constitutional Monarchy
• July 14, 1789: Attack on the Bastille and beginning of the revolution
• Reactions of King Louis XVI

From Constitutional Monarchy to Republic

• Constitution of 1791: Separation of powers (Executive, Legislative, Judiciary)
• Conspiracy against the King: Louis XVI's secret negotiations
• National Assembly declares war (1792)

Jacobin Club and Reign of Terror

• Jacobin Club: Leader Maximilien Robespierre
• Reign of Terror: Severe control and punishment policies
• Introduction of the guillotine and end of dictators (death of Robespierre in 1794)

Napoleon Bonaparte and Directory

• Formation of the Directory after 1794: Five-member executive body
• Political instability under the control of the Directory
• Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte: Military dictator

Status and Role of Women

• Participation of women in the revolution