The Causes of the French Revolution
In 1789, the French government was facing financial difficulties due to heavy debts. As a result of supporting the American Revolution and the drain on wealth caused by the seven years war, the French government was in a state of crisis. Meanwhile, King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were enjoying a lavish lifestyle at the Palace of Versailles, while the majority of the French population suffered from famine due to a lack of food production.
The Enlightenment also played a significant role, as it encouraged people to believe that they could govern themselves. This, along with other factors, set the stage for the French Revolution.
Convocation of the Estates General
In response to the financial crisis, the Convocation of the Estates General was called, bringing together the three major social classes of France. The clergy and nobility each had 300 representatives, while the general public had 600 representatives. However, the general population lost the argument and were forced to organize as an independent estate, leading to the formation of the National Assembly of France.
The Storming of the Bastille
The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, is considered a turning point in French history. Although there were only about 7 political prisoners in the Bastille at the time, the revolutionaries saw it as a symbol of oppression and used the event to rally the public to their cause. They discovered a major arms cache at the Bastille, further fueling the revolutionary fervor. This event marked the beginning of the chaos of the French Revolution and is now celebrated as Bastille Day in France.
The Declaration of The Rights of Man and The Women's March
Following the storming of the Bastille, the Declaration of The Rights of Man was declared, reflecting the French version of the Declaration of Independence. This was followed by the Women's March in October 1789, during which suspicions that the royals were hoarding grain led to an uprising. The march led to the royals being forced to move back to Paris and caused uprisings and nobles to emigrate out of France.
The Constitution of 1791 and The War with Austria
In 1791, France was established as a constitutional monarchy with the adoption of the Constitution of 1791. The political situation in France continued to escalate, and in an attempt to address the ongoing issues, Louis declared war on Austria. The war presented a win-win situation for Louis, as it could increase his popularity or result in the removal of the revolutionaries and the restoration of his power.
The Storming of the Tuileries and End of Monarchy
The escalating tensions led to the storming of the Tuileries, where the revolutionaries imprisoned King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. This marked the end of the monarchy in France and the beginning of a new era in the country's history.
The French Revolution was a complex and multifaceted period in history, with a combination of social, economic, and political factors contributing to the downfall of the monarchy and the emergence of a new political order. The events and upheavals of the time laid the foundation for the modern French state and continue to be studied and remembered for their significance in shaping the course of history. For more detailed information about the French Revolution, including its causes, timeline, and key events, you can refer to the French Revolution notes pdf, which provides valuable insights into this transformative period.
