The French Revolution Flashcards
how long did The French Revolution last?
Lasted 25 years - between 2789 and 1814
what were the 3 main reasons for the outbreak of revolution in France?
Constitutional Crisis
financial crisis
Role of the Bourgeoises
reasons for outbreak: constitutional crisis
The french constitution, which was in an absolutist style of monarchy - faced many challenges
-failures in governance
-ministerial instability
-military defeats
all contributed to the idea that the system was no longer effective
new enlightenment ideas further eroded the authority of despotic monarchs
ideas of ‘nation’, ‘public opinion’ and ‘citizen’ gained more popularity
Absolutism
a political system in which a single monarchy holds complete power over country
The estates general
a Three chambered assembly of the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners - summoned by King Louis XVI to deal with crisis
The National assembly
The Third estate of the estates general split from the Royal Authority and formed national assembly
Reason for outbreak: financial crisis
several wars that France was involved with (7 years war and american war of independence) created and added to financial distress (debt) on French crown
a rapidly growing population outpaced food production leading to famine and widespread starvation in rural areas
rising prices in Paris triggered bread riots, highlighting the economic distress of citizens
financial crisis triggered political crisis
reason for outbreak: role of the Bourgeoisie
the Bourgeoisie - a rising social order with new found wealth and influence, played a critical role.
Highly critical of the current regime and sought for change
their exact impact is debated, however their desire for a voice in administration and their dissatisfaction with the existing system contributed to the revolutionary climate
The beginning of the Revolution
June 1789: 3rd estate walks out and declared as ‘representing the people’ and demand a constitution
July 1789: storming of the Bastile
August 1789: abolition of Absolutism
National Assembly also issues the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
Storming of the Bastille
Revolutionary insurgents attempted to storm and seize control of the Bastille
significant as the Bastille represented royal authority in heart of Paris. Symbolised the monarchy’s abuse of power
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
a fundamental document that granted rights to some commoners.
included:
-sovereignty of the Nation
-equality of citizens
-rule of law - end of arbitrary measures
-protection of private property
the declaration influenced the idea of individual freedoms and universal equality. it inspired the French Revolution
Radicalization and the terror: background
The national Assembly aimed to establish a constitutional monarchy
1791: King Louis XVI attempts to flee paris
It was discovered that the Royal family had correspondence with foreign monarchs to restore control over France which fueled radicalization
Radicalization
- new French constitution passed in october 1791
-france became a constitutional monarchy
-the new constitution has abolished the monarchy and made France into a republic with universal manhood suffrage
-a war was declared on Austria by the national assembly due to fear of foreign invasion
january 1793: louis XVI was executed as a traitor to the republic
the reign of Terror
in response to building military pressures the government created a dictatorial emergency committee called: The committee for public safety led by Maximillen Robespierre
Maximillien Robespierre
the radical jacobin leader of the Committee of Public safety
called ‘incorruptible’ for his single minded focus on seeing the revolution succeed
