French Revolution

Introduction

• Simple subject; focus on French Revolution
• People's Militia formed to counter the King's army
• Beginnings in 1774 with King Louis XVI

Background

• 1774: Louis XVI became King at age 20
• Married Marie Antoinette
• Empty treasury due to expensive maintenance and wars
• Aided 13 American colonies against Britain, increasing debt by 2 billion livres
• High taxes paid only by the Third Estate

Estates System

• Three estates: Clergy (First Estate), Nobles (Second Estate), Commoners (Third Estate)
• Third Estate included merchants, peasants, laborers
• First and Second Estates enjoyed privileges, paid no taxes
• Third Estate bore the tax burden, leading to discontent

Economic Struggles

• Population growth (23 million to 28 million) increased demand for food
• Poor harvests and natural calamities like drought led to food shortages
• Rising prices of bread caused more suffering

Philosophical Influence

• Enlightenment ideas promoted equality and merit-based society
• Key philosophers: John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Montesquieu

Revolution Outbreak

• July 14, 1789: Alarm in Paris due to rumors of King's orders to attack people
• Formation of National Assembly by Third Estate
• Key events: Revolt by peasants, attack on Bastille

Key Events

• National Assembly passed decrees abolishing feudal dues and privileges
• Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen (1791)
• Removal of monarchy, establishment of constitutional monarchy

Women's Role

• Women participated actively in the Revolution
• Formed political clubs, demanded voting rights
• Olympe de Gouges wrote Declaration of Rights of Woman and Citizen

Abolition of Slavery

• 1794: Convention abolished slavery in French colonies
• 1848: Permanent abolition of slavery in French colonies

Rise of Napoleon

• Power struggles led to instability
• 1799: Napoleon Bonaparte staged a coup, eventually became Emperor in 1804
• Introduced reforms like uniform legal system and abolished feudal privileges

Conclusion

• French Revolution significantly impacted political and social structures
• Introduced concepts of equality, citizenship, and human rights

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