To learn more about the French Revolution of 1789, read this article now!

Overview of the French Revolution:

The French Revolution was a pivotal moment in modern European history, commencing in 1789 and concluding in the late 1790s. The revolutionaries radically altered the political landscape by dismantling longstanding institutions, notably the absolute monarchy and feudal system.

Widespread discontent fueled the revolutionaries, particularly against the monarchy and the economic mismanagement of King Louis XVI. They sought to address deep-rooted grievances within French society. They executed King Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, by guillotine.

The French Revolution did not achieve all its goals and often descended into violence. However, it significantly influenced the rise of nation-states and showcased the power of popular will.

Contributing Factors of the French Revolution

1. The involvement of France in the American War of Independence and France’s Absolute Monarchical System:

France’s expensive involvement in the American Revolution. Also, the lavish spending of King Louis XVI and his predecessors left the country financially strained.

Roughly twenty-one years of poor harvests, drought, livestock diseases, and soaring bread prices were exacerbated. These issues sparked widespread protests among the peasantry and urban poor.

The populace directed their anger at a regime that imposed heavy taxation without offering any relief. This unrest erupted into riots, looting, and strikes.

The French Revolution also stemmed from a society dominated by absolute monarchs who adhered to the divine right of kings. This is seen where rulers wielded unchecked power and could imprison individuals without trial.

2. The Legacy of King Louis XIV:

The reign of King Louis XIV, regarded as one of France’s greatest monarchs, established a centralized authority in Versailles, where he dwelt in luxury amidst his ministers and nobility. His governance contributed to the economic challenges that followed.

3. The Role of the Third Estate:

A significant factor in sparking the French Revolution was the rise of the Third Estate, comprising most of the population. This estate included the common people, such as merchants, lawyers, and laborers, while the First Estate contained the wealthy nobility and the Second Estate covered the clergy.

The peasantry bore the brunt of taxation, paying more than eighty percent of their income in various forms, including tithes and land taxes. They were also subject to the corvée, which mandated free labor for public works like roads and bridges. Although serfdom had been abolished before the French Revolution, peasants still endured heavy taxes and obligations to their landowners. Artisans, another group within the Third Estate, faced economic struggles due to guild regulations.

4. Influence of Political Philosophers:

Political thinkers from Britain and France inspired the French Revolution by encouraging citizens to rise against royal absolutism and the privileged nobility. Notable among these philosophers, Charles Montesquieu advocated for the separation of government powers, which became essential for protecting individual rights.

Additionally, Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued in his seminal work, “The Social Contract,” that any government failing to serve the people’s welfare must be dismantled.

5. The Ineffectiveness of King Louis XVI:

The ineffective governance of King Louis XV created an environment ripe for the French Revolution. His scandalous reign pushed France to the brink of ruin. When Louis XVI, took the throne in 1774, he was initially seen as a potential restorer of order.

However, due to his infantile ascension, state affairs were managed by a council of regency. Although he gained some popularity initially, public sentiment turned against him as they began to attribute their suffering to his ineffectiveness.

Louis XVI inherited a challenging legacy. His rule was marred by accusations of inefficiency and the effects of France’s defeat in the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763). As he ascended the throne in 1774, the once-magnificent court of Versailles began to diminish in prestige, reflecting the growing discontent across the nation.

6. Influence of the American Revolution on the French Revolution:

The American Revolution significantly inspired the French Revolution. The harsh British rule faced by the thirteen North American colonies resonated with French soldiers who had fought in the American War of Independence.

Returning home, soldiers faced harsh conditions that deepened their anger and fueled revolutionary feelings. They wondered why Americans gained freedom over small taxes while the French endured heavy taxes and forced labor.

Other Major Incidents in the French Revolution:

Rising Tensions and the Storming of the Bastille in the French Revolution

Despite the king’s attempts to appeal to the Third Estate by suggesting they sit separately, the masses in Paris backed the National Assembly.

On July 14, 1789, they stormed the Bastille, a prison symbolizing tyranny and oppression, liberating a few prisoners. Women also joined the movement, marching to the assembly to demand bread, which prompted the king and the assembly to move from Versailles to the capital.

The French Revolution, the King’s Failed Escape, and the Shift to a Republic

In June 1791, fearing for their safety, Louis XVI and his family attempted to flee Paris, but they were captured and returned. This incident was a turning point in his reign, leading revolutionary leaders to conclude that he had betrayed his people by aligning himself with potential enemies.

This crisis led to the establishment of a republic in the assembly, highlighting a significant shift in the revolution.

The French Revolution, Tennis Court Oath, and Constitutional Reforms

The Tennis Court Oath reinforced the determination of the National Assembly, which ratified a new constitution for France in September 1791. This constitution curtailed the king’s powers, allowing him a veto over legislation and instituting a decentralized administrative framework. Important reforms followed, including the acknowledgment of absolute freedom of worship, the abolishment of tithes, and the seizure of monastic property for public benefit.

France as a Republic and the Legislative Assembly:

With the establishment of the republic, the people celebrated the new constitution as a triumph for popular sovereignty. The elected Legislative Assembly convened from October 1791 until September 1792 and included members divided into three factions: supporters of a constitutional monarchy, Jacobins advocating for a republic, and moderates who remained neutral. European powers began intervening to restore Louis XVI, prompting widespread protests in France that further bolstered the French Revolution.

The National Convention and Execution of Louis XVI:

In 1792, the National Convention succeeded the Legislative Assembly and formally declared France a republic. The trial of Louis XVI followed shortly, leading to his execution by guillotine later that year; his wife, Marie Antoinette, met the same fate ten months later. Revolutionary leader Maximilien Robespierre justified the king’s execution by arguing that “the king must die so that the state may live.”

The Rise of Napoleon and the End of the French Revolution:

On September 17, 1799, a new constitution centralized the administration into three councils, although real power resided with the first council. Napoleon Bonaparte, who had led France in various revolutionary conflicts, became the first consul in 1804 and ultimately declared himself emperor.

The Reign of Terror, which arose from the king’s execution and conflicts with European powers, led to violent upheaval. The Jacobins gained control of the National Convention, initiating radical changes.

On November 9, 1799, growing discontent with the leadership led Bonaparte to stage a coup d’état, effectively abolishing the Directory. This marked the end of the French Revolution and the beginning of the Napoleonic era, which would have a profound impact on Europe.

ALSO READ: Global Health Landscape 2024: Top Prevalent Diseases