French Revolution Summary

Overview

This lecture traces the origins, key events, and outcomes of the French Revolution, examining the collapse of the monarchy, the rise of new political institutions, and the social changes that followed.

Background to Revolution

• France was wealthy but faced economic crisis due to war debts, poor harvests, and heavy taxation.
• The monarchy and aristocracy were seen as oppressive, while peasants and workers suffered poverty.
• King Louis XVI's poor leadership and financial mismanagement aggravated tensions.

Early Events and Key Assemblies

• The Ancien Regime (old order) led to widespread inequality and unrest.
• Failure of financial reforms led to the dismissal of finance ministers Turgot and Necker.
• The Estates General of 1789 was called to address the crisis, with three estates: clergy, nobility, and commoners.
• The Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly, vowing to draft a new constitution ("Tennis Court Oath").

Storming of the Bastille and Abolition of Feudalism

• The Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 symbolized the revolution.
• The National Assembly abolished feudalism and privileges through the August Decrees.
• The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen established principles of equality and freedom.

Revolution Intensifies

• The Women’s March on Versailles forced the King to return to Paris.
• The revolution weakened the Catholic Church, confiscated church lands, and introduced new laws.
• Civil Constitution of the Clergy made priests state employees, creating further divisions.

Radical Phase and Reign of Terror

• King Louis XVI's attempted escape undermined trust in the monarchy.
• The Assembly became the Legislative Assembly, then the National Convention.
• France was declared a republic in 1792; monarchy abolished.
• Louis XVI was executed in 1793, followed by the Reign of Terror, where thousands were guillotined.
• The Jacobins gained power; later, the Girondins retaliated in the "White Terror."

Aftermath and Rise of Napoleon

• The Directory government replaced the Convention in 1795, but was unstable.
• Coup in 1799 put Napoleon Bonaparte and others in power.
• France became a Republic, with a modern political system and lasting influence on Europe.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Ancien Regime — The old political and social order in France before the Revolution.
• Estates General — An assembly representing the three social classes (clergy, nobility, commoners).
• National Assembly — Revolutionary body formed by the Third Estate.
• August Decrees — Laws ending feudalism and aristocratic privileges.
• Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen — Foundational document guaranteeing rights and liberties.
• Reign of Terror — Period of mass executions and political purges led by the Jacobins.
• Directory — Five-member executive governing France post-Terror.
• Jacobins/Girondins — Radical and moderate political factions during the Revolution.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review the timeline of key events from 1789 to 1799.
• Read about the impact of the French Revolution on European politics.
• Prepare to discuss how revolutionary ideals influenced modern government.