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Ollie Lee
12/13/2025
World/Global History
French Revolution
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Dec 13, 2025
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The French Revolution: Key Events and Notes
Ollie Lee
@ollielias
1 / 5
Causes and Beginning of the French Revolution
Ever wonder what makes people rise up against their government? The French Revolution erupted from several powerful forces converging at once. Enlightenment ideas from thinkers like Locke (who opposed absolutism) and Montesquieu (who advocated separation of powers) gave people new ways to question authority.
Inside France, economic crisis and weak leadership created the perfect storm. The poor suffered from heavy taxation, poverty, and food shortages while the wealthy lived in luxury. Additionally, French participation in the American Revolution exposed soldiers like Lafayette to revolutionary ideas and drained the French treasury further.
The revolution officially began with the Storming of the Bastille in 1789, when citizens attacked a political prison that symbolized royal authority. This event (celebrated annually on July 14th, France's equivalent to America's July 4th) led to the "Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen" establishing new principles of equality.
Did you know? During the revolution's "Reign of Terror," thousands of people considered enemies of the revolution were executed. This violent period was actually an attempt to create equality, as everyone was viewed as equal before the law, noble titles were eliminated, and all people became "citizens."
Revolutionary Changes and Napoleon's Rise
The French Revolution completely transformed French society in ways you can still see today. By 1799, France looked dramatically different - the absolute monarchy was overthrown, King Louis XVI was executed, and the Catholic Church was placed under state control. Even fashion changed, with elaborate clothes being replaced by more practical styles.
Nationalism (similar to American patriotism) spread throughout France, creating a strong sense of national identity. New national symbols emerged, including the tricolor flag that represents France to this day.
From this revolutionary chaos rose Napoleon Bonaparte, a military leader who gained popularity through victories in Italy. After returning from campaigns abroad, Napoleon carried out a coup d'état in 1799, overthrowing the government and eventually declaring himself emperor of France.
Think about it: Napoleon attempted something incredibly ambitious - to unify all of Europe under French control. This led him to wage war against virtually every major European power including England, Russia, Prussia, Austria, Sweden, and Portugal.
Napoleon's Empire and Legacy
Napoleon's quest to dominate Europe initially met with remarkable success. After selling the Louisiana Territory to America for $15 million (giving up on colonial ambitions in the Americas), he focused on conquering Europe. By 1807, the French Empire reached its greatest extent, with Napoleon defeating most continental powers and installing puppet rulers in many countries.
The tide turned in 1812 when Napoleon invaded Russia, where he faced the devastating "Scorched Earth Policy" - Russians burning their own land and supplies rather than letting French forces use them. This defeat began Napoleon's downfall, leading to exile, a brief return, and final defeat at Waterloo.
Despite his ultimate failure, Napoleon's legacy transformed Europe. He implemented the Napoleonic Code - a legal system establishing equality before the law, religious tolerance, and public education through lycées (schools). His centralized state with a constitution expanded voting rights, though they remained limited.
Connect the dots: Napoleon's actions had far-reaching consequences: his sale of Louisiana doubled the size of the United States, his replacement of the Spanish king triggered independence movements in Spanish American colonies, and his abolition of the Holy Roman Empire eventually contributed to the creation of modern Germany.
The Congress of Vienna and Post-Napoleonic Europe
After Napoleon's defeat, European leaders faced major questions: Should they keep his reforms or undo them? How should they redraw the map of Europe? The five great powers (Austria, Britain, France, Prussia, and Russia) gathered at the Congress of Vienna to figure it all out.
Their main goals were practical and conservative. They wanted to surround France with strong countries to prevent future French aggression and restore the "Balance of Power" so no single country could threaten the others. The Congress redrew Europe's political boundaries, creating new countries and expanding territories of major powers.
The Congress also worked to restore dethroned monarchs to their positions and established "principles of intervention" allowing powers to step in if revolution threatened established order. These decisions shaped European politics for decades to come.
Big picture: The Congress of Vienna represented a conservative reaction to the revolutionary changes of the previous decades. Its participants tried to turn back the clock and restore Europe to how it had been before the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.
Competing Political Ideologies
After the revolutionary period, three main political viewpoints emerged that would compete throughout the 19th century. Conservatism attracted wealthy classes and nobility who supported monarchies, desired little change, and emphasized religion and obedience to authority. Think of them as people wanting to preserve traditional ways.
In contrast, Liberalism found support among the middle class and merchants who wanted elected parliaments with more power. Liberals championed Enlightenment ideals, natural rights, civil liberties, and constitutional government. Though they wanted change, they typically wanted to limit voting to property owners.
The most forward-thinking position, Radicalism, drew supporters from all classes. Radicals embraced the ideals of the French Revolution - especially equality for all citizens - and advocated for dramatic societal changes. They pushed for universal suffrage (voting rights for everyone) and complete reorganization of society.
Make connections: These competing ideologies - conservative, liberal, and radical - continue to shape political thinking today. When you hear debates about tradition versus progress or government authority versus individual liberty, you're hearing echoes of these post-revolutionary debates!
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
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I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
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Brad T
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Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
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Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The French Revolution: Key Events and Notes
Ollie Lee
@ollielias
The French Revolution was a pivotal event that transformed France and influenced global politics. Beginning in 1789, it overthrew the absolute monarchy, established new principles of citizenship, and eventually led to Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power. These events reshaped Europe... Show more
Causes and Beginning of the French Revolution
Ever wonder what makes people rise up against their government? The French Revolution erupted from several powerful forces converging at once. Enlightenment ideas from thinkers like Locke (who opposed absolutism) and Montesquieu (who advocated separation of powers) gave people new ways to question authority.
Inside France, economic crisis and weak leadership created the perfect storm. The poor suffered from heavy taxation, poverty, and food shortages while the wealthy lived in luxury. Additionally, French participation in the American Revolution exposed soldiers like Lafayette to revolutionary ideas and drained the French treasury further.
The revolution officially began with the Storming of the Bastille in 1789, when citizens attacked a political prison that symbolized royal authority. This event (celebrated annually on July 14th, France's equivalent to America's July 4th) led to the "Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen" establishing new principles of equality.
Did you know? During the revolution's "Reign of Terror," thousands of people considered enemies of the revolution were executed. This violent period was actually an attempt to create equality, as everyone was viewed as equal before the law, noble titles were eliminated, and all people became "citizens."
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Revolutionary Changes and Napoleon's Rise
The French Revolution completely transformed French society in ways you can still see today. By 1799, France looked dramatically different - the absolute monarchy was overthrown, King Louis XVI was executed, and the Catholic Church was placed under state control. Even fashion changed, with elaborate clothes being replaced by more practical styles.
Nationalism (similar to American patriotism) spread throughout France, creating a strong sense of national identity. New national symbols emerged, including the tricolor flag that represents France to this day.
From this revolutionary chaos rose Napoleon Bonaparte, a military leader who gained popularity through victories in Italy. After returning from campaigns abroad, Napoleon carried out a coup d'état in 1799, overthrowing the government and eventually declaring himself emperor of France.
Think about it: Napoleon attempted something incredibly ambitious - to unify all of Europe under French control. This led him to wage war against virtually every major European power including England, Russia, Prussia, Austria, Sweden, and Portugal.
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Napoleon's Empire and Legacy
Napoleon's quest to dominate Europe initially met with remarkable success. After selling the Louisiana Territory to America for $15 million (giving up on colonial ambitions in the Americas), he focused on conquering Europe. By 1807, the French Empire reached its greatest extent, with Napoleon defeating most continental powers and installing puppet rulers in many countries.
The tide turned in 1812 when Napoleon invaded Russia, where he faced the devastating "Scorched Earth Policy" - Russians burning their own land and supplies rather than letting French forces use them. This defeat began Napoleon's downfall, leading to exile, a brief return, and final defeat at Waterloo.
Despite his ultimate failure, Napoleon's legacy transformed Europe. He implemented the Napoleonic Code - a legal system establishing equality before the law, religious tolerance, and public education through lycées (schools). His centralized state with a constitution expanded voting rights, though they remained limited.
Connect the dots: Napoleon's actions had far-reaching consequences: his sale of Louisiana doubled the size of the United States, his replacement of the Spanish king triggered independence movements in Spanish American colonies, and his abolition of the Holy Roman Empire eventually contributed to the creation of modern Germany.
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The Congress of Vienna and Post-Napoleonic Europe
After Napoleon's defeat, European leaders faced major questions: Should they keep his reforms or undo them? How should they redraw the map of Europe? The five great powers (Austria, Britain, France, Prussia, and Russia) gathered at the Congress of Vienna to figure it all out.
Their main goals were practical and conservative. They wanted to surround France with strong countries to prevent future French aggression and restore the "Balance of Power" so no single country could threaten the others. The Congress redrew Europe's political boundaries, creating new countries and expanding territories of major powers.
The Congress also worked to restore dethroned monarchs to their positions and established "principles of intervention" allowing powers to step in if revolution threatened established order. These decisions shaped European politics for decades to come.
Big picture: The Congress of Vienna represented a conservative reaction to the revolutionary changes of the previous decades. Its participants tried to turn back the clock and restore Europe to how it had been before the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.
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Competing Political Ideologies
After the revolutionary period, three main political viewpoints emerged that would compete throughout the 19th century. Conservatism attracted wealthy classes and nobility who supported monarchies, desired little change, and emphasized religion and obedience to authority. Think of them as people wanting to preserve traditional ways.
In contrast, Liberalism found support among the middle class and merchants who wanted elected parliaments with more power. Liberals championed Enlightenment ideals, natural rights, civil liberties, and constitutional government. Though they wanted change, they typically wanted to limit voting to property owners.
The most forward-thinking position, Radicalism, drew supporters from all classes. Radicals embraced the ideals of the French Revolution - especially equality for all citizens - and advocated for dramatic societal changes. They pushed for universal suffrage (voting rights for everyone) and complete reorganization of society.
Make connections: These competing ideologies - conservative, liberal, and radical - continue to shape political thinking today. When you hear debates about tradition versus progress or government authority versus individual liberty, you're hearing echoes of these post-revolutionary debates!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user