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French Revolution Summary

Jun 10, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers the causes, key events, and legacy of the French Revolution, emphasizing its radical ideas and tumultuous outcomes.

Causes of the French Revolution

  • France was wealthy but had a flawed tax system where nobles and clergy paid no taxes, burdening the poor.
  • By 1789, France was in severe debt from wars and royal spending.
  • Reforms failed, and economic crisis led to food shortages and widespread hunger.
  • Enlightenment thinkers challenged the divine right of kings and traditional authority.

Early Revolution: The National Assembly

  • King Louis XVI called the Estates General, a parliament not convened since 1614.
  • The Third Estate (commoners) broke away to form the National Assembly, seeking a constitution.
  • After being locked out, they swore the Tennis Court Oath to not disband until they achieved reform.
  • The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, symbolized the revolution’s start.
  • The National Assembly abolished feudal privileges and declared the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen.

Escalation and Radicalization

  • Rumors of royal hoarding and hunger fueled the Women's March, forcing the royal family to Paris.
  • Initially, revolutionaries wanted a constitutional monarchy; only radicals (Jacobins) pushed for a republic.
  • Violence increased; the Assembly's troops fired on protesters, signaling a turn in revolutionary fervor.

War, Monarchy’s Fall, and The Terror

  • Foreign monarchies (Austria and Prussia) threatened to restore Louis XVI, leading France to war.
  • The monarchy was suspended, everyone (all men) could vote, and Louis XVI was executed by guillotine.
  • The Reign of Terror, led by Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety, saw thousands executed, including Robespierre.

Rise of Napoleon and Aftermath

  • The revolution produced new constitutions but shifted power back to the wealthy.
  • Amid coups and wars, Napoleon became First Consul, holding near-absolute power.
  • After Napoleon, France returned to monarchy, but new kings ruled as constitutional monarchs, not absolute ones.

The Revolution’s Legacy

  • The revolution spread Enlightenment ideals of rights and equality, despite failing to establish lasting democracy.
  • Article 6 of the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen proclaimed law as the general will, with equal rights for all.
  • The universality of these rights made the French Revolution more radical than the American Revolution.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Ancien RĂ©gime — the old social and political order in France with kings, nobles, and unequal taxation.
  • Estates General — France’s traditional parliament with representatives from the three estates.
  • National Assembly — revolutionary legislative body formed by the Third Estate.
  • Tennis Court Oath — vow by National Assembly delegates not to disband until France had a constitution.
  • Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen — 1789 document proclaiming rights and equality for all citizens.
  • Jacobins — radical revolutionaries advocating a republic.
  • The Terror — period of mass executions during the revolution, led by Robespierre.
  • Committee of Public Safety — executive government during the Terror.
  • First Consul — title taken by Napoleon as leader of France after 1799.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review Article 6 of the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen.
  • Consider: What is the legacy of the French Revolution on modern ideas of rights and government?

Full transcript