Crash Course World History: The French Revolution

Introduction

• Host: John Green
• Comparing the American Revolution (seen as positive) vs. French Revolution (viewed as chaotic and violent)
• French Revolution exchanged one authoritarian regime for another but influenced human history significantly

Background of France in the 18th Century

• France was rich and populous with systemic tax collection issues
• Ancien Régime: Social structure where nobles/clergy didn't pay taxes
• By 1789, France was in debt due to American Revolution funding
• King Louis XVI's attempts to reform tax system failed, leading to bankruptcy
• Natural disasters (hailstorms) caused food shortages, raising tensions

Enlightenment Influence

• Enlightenment thinkers, like Kant, questioned religion and divine rule
• Society discontent due to economic hardship and intellectual challenges to monarchy

Estates General and National Assembly

• Estates General called by Louis XVI, hadn't met since 1614
• Composed of First (nobles), Second (clergy), and Third (commoners) Estates
• Third Estate broke away and formed the National Assembly
• Tennis Court Oath: National Assembly vowed not to disband until a constitution was established
• Bastille Day: Storming of Bastille prison (July 14th), symbolizing revolution

Radical Changes and Declarations

• August 4th: Abolition of feudal rights and privileges of nobility
• August 26th: Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen
  • Rights to liberty, property, and security

Political Developments and the Women's March

• Rumors of grain hoarding led to Women's March on Versailles
• Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette moved to Paris
• Revolution driven by lack of food and economic inequality

Revolutionary Phases

• National Assembly aimed for constitutional monarchy
• Jacobins called for a republic
• Tensions led to unrest and violence

External Threats and Internal Struggles

• Neighboring monarchies threatened by revolution
• Declaration of Pilnitz (Austria and Prussia)
• France declared war on Austria; Louis XVI undermined revolution

Trial and Execution of Louis XVI

• Louis XVI tried and executed, leading to the Terror
  • Committee of Public Safety led by Robespierre
  • Mass executions (16,000 guillotined)

The Terror and Aftermath

• Radical changes (e.g., new calendar system)
• Revolution pulled back post-Terror with new constitution

Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte

• Military successes helped stabilize France
• Coup in 1799 made Napoleon first consul
  • Consolidation of power under new constitution

Legacy and Interpretation

• Debate on revolution's impact on liberty vs. state power
• Revolution spread Enlightenment ideals
• Ongoing discourse about people's rights and government form

Conclusion

• The French Revolution was radical, questioning the nature of rights and their source
• Impact still felt, shaping modern discussions on government and rights

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Credits

• Produced by Stan Muller
• Script by Raoul Meyer and John Green
• Graphics by Thought Bubble
• Interned by Meredith Danko

Additional Notes

• Phrase of the Week: "Giant tea bag"
• Viewer engagement encouraged in comments for phrase suggestions and historical questions

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Note: Study of the French Revolution offers insights into the evolution of modern political thought and systems.