The French Revolution reshaped France with the fall of the Ancien Régime, the rise of the National Assembly, and the eventual ascent of Napoleon. Key events include the Estates-General meeting, the Tennis Court Oath, and the Storming of the Bastille, leading to the end of feudalism, the Reign of Terror, and the establishment of the French Republic.
Show More
The Estates-General was called in May 1789 due to a dire financial crisis and social discontent
Transformation of the Estates-General
The Estates-General quickly transformed into the National Assembly in June 1789
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
The National Assembly established fundamental rights through the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
The iconic event on July 14, 1789 marked the start of sweeping changes in France, including the dismantling of feudal privileges and the secularization of church property
The wars, initiated in April 1792, brought about military challenges and the August 10 insurrection, leading to the monarchy's downfall
Committee of Public Safety
The Committee of Public Safety was empowered in June 1793, ushering in the Reign of Terror during which an estimated 16,000 to 40,000 people were executed
Thermidorian Reaction
The Thermidorian Reaction in July 1794 brought an end to the Reign of Terror
The Directory, established in 1795, was marked by corruption and inefficiency, setting the stage for Napoleon Bonaparte's coup d'état in 1799
From 1715 to 1789, France experienced significant population growth and urbanization, particularly in Paris
The economic disparity between different social classes contributed to social strife in France
A dire financial crisis, exacerbated by a regressive tax system and poor harvests, sparked the French Revolution
The French monarchy's chronic fiscal deficits led to a political deadlock
Attempts at reform, such as proposing a universal land tax, were consistently blocked by the regional Parlements
In response to the crisis, the government announced in August 1788 that the Estates-General would be convened in May 1789, setting the stage for the revolutionary events to follow
00
Estates-General significance
Convened May 1789, led to National Assembly formation, signaling start of Revolution.
01
Storming of the Bastille importance
July 14, 1789 event symbolizing revolt against tyranny, sparked widespread change.
02
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
Fundamental rights established in August 1789, cornerstone of French democracy.
