Overview of France's History and the Revolution

Introduction to France

France is a wealthy country in Europe, known for its rich cultural heritage.
Paris and the Eiffel Tower are iconic representations of France.
France has been occupied since Neolithic times and experienced significant historical events.

Monarchy and Aristocracy Issues: People revolted against the monarchy and the aristocrats who exploited the working class.
Population Growth: France became one of Europe's most populated countries, increasing demand for food and goods.
Financial Crisis: Heavy spending on the American Revolution and poor harvests left France nearly bankrupt.
High Taxes: The government imposed high taxes to recover losses, leading to anger among the populace.
Civil Unrest: Strikes, theft, and riots were responses to the government's failures.

The Ancient Regime: Lasted until 1792, characterized by the rule of kings and feudal lords.
Monetary Crunch: Dismissal of Finance Minister Robert Jacques Turgot due to financial inability and the appointment of Jacques Necker.
Necker’s reforms faced opposition from the clergy and nobility.
Estates General of 1789: Summoned for the first time since 1614, indicating trouble for the Bourbon monarchy.

Structure: Comprised three estates: clergy, nobility, and commoners (third estate).
Voting Rights: Only tax-paying males aged 25 and over in the third estate could vote.
Formation of National Assembly: On June 13, 1789, the third estate declared itself the National Assembly and pledged to represent the people.

On June 20, 1789, members vowed not to separate until they created a new constitution.
Transition from National Assembly to National Constituent Assembly on July 9, 1789.

Event: On July 14, 1789, the Bastille prison was stormed, marking a significant point of the revolution.
Outcomes: Symbolized the end of royal authority and the start of popular sovereignty.

August Decrees: Initiated the end of feudal privileges and established rights for common citizens.
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen: Published on August 26, 1789, outlining fundamental rights.

October March: Women marched to Versailles on October 5, 1789, demanding bread and political reforms, leading to the king's relocation to Paris.
Dechristianization: The church lost its power; property was confiscated, and clergy were made state employees.

Attempted Flight of Louis XVI: On June 20, 1791, the king attempted to flee but was captured, increasing public outrage.
Legislative Assembly Formation: Established on September 30, 1791, with shared powers between the king and assembly.
Declaration of War: France declared war on Austria on April 20, 1792, further complicating political unrest.

Formation: Marked the transition from a constitutional monarchy to a republic on September 21, 1792.
Execution: Louis XVI was executed by guillotine on January 21, 1793, igniting foreign intervention and internal conflict.

Led by Maximilien Robespierre, thousands were executed during this period as suspected traitors.
Fall of Jacobins: The Girondins took control in July 1794, leading to the White Terror and reinstatement of traditional religious practices.

Government Structure: The Constitution of Year III established a bicameral legislature.
Coup of 1799: Napoleon Bonaparte replaced the Directory, marking a significant shift in French governance.

The French Revolution fundamentally transformed France, establishing a republic that inspired other countries.
It exemplified the power of the common man and initiated major social and political changes.