AMITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, SAKET
HISTORY CHAPTER 1
FRENCH REVOLUTION
DATELINE OF KEY EVENTS:
Year Event
1774 Louis XVI becomes King of France
1789 Estates-General meeting; formation of National Assembly; Bastille stormed (14 July)
1791 Constitution of 1791 adopted
1792-93 Monarchy abolished, France becomes a republic
1793-94 Reign of Terror under Robespierre
1795 Directory established
1799 Napoleon Bonaparte seizes power
1 Introduction:
• The French Revolution marked a turning point in world history.
• It ended the feudal privileges of the aristocracy and monarchy and gave birth to modern ideas of
liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• The revolution inspired political upheavals across Europe and beyond.
2️ French Society During the Late 18th Century
a) Social Structure
French society was divided into Three Estates:
• First Estate: Clergy – owned 10% of land, exempt from taxes.
• Second Estate: Nobility – held privileges, collected feudal dues, exempt from taxes.
• Third Estate: Commoners – peasants, artisans, middle class (bourgeoisie), paid all taxes.
b) Peasant Grievances
• Feudal dues, tithes to the Church, high taxes, and lack of privileges.
c) The Growing Middle Class
• Included merchants, professionals, lawyers who were educated and inspired by Enlightenment ideas.
3 Economic Crisis
• Economic crises due to wars and extravagant spending.
• Poor harvests led to rising food prices, especially bread – the staple food.
• Urban workers demanded relief; anger rose against the monarchy and nobility.
4 A Growing Middle Class Envisions an End to Privileges
a) Role of Philosophers
• John Locke: Advocated natural rights—life, liberty, and property.
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Promoted the idea of a social contract.
• Montesquieu: Supported division of power (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary).
b) Printing and Ideas
• Ideas of equality and democracy spread through books and pamphlets.
5 The Outbreak of the Revolution
a) Immediate Causes
• Louis XVI’s decision to increase taxes.
• Convening of the Estates-General on 5 May 1789.
b) Formation of the National Assembly
• Third Estate, led by Mirabeau and Abbé Sieyès, declared itself the National Assembly (June 1789).
• Drafted a constitution limiting the monarch’s powers.
c) Storming of the Bastille (14 July 1789)
• Seen as a symbol of royal tyranny.
• Peasants attacked nobles’ homes (The Great Fear), burnt feudal contracts.
6️ France Becomes a Constitutional Monarchy
• Constitution of 1791: Limited monarchy, legislative assembly elected by active citizens (men paying
taxes equal to 3 days’ wages).
• Abolished feudal privileges and introduced laws based on equality.
7 France Abolishes Monarchy and Becomes a Republic
• 1792: Jacobins (radicals led by Robespierre) seized control.
• Monarchy abolished; Louis XVI executed in January 1793, Marie Antoinette in October 1793.
• France declared a republic.
8 The Reign of Terror (1793–1794)
• Period of extreme measures under Robespierre.
• Revolutionary Tribunal executed “enemies of the republic.”
• Introduced price controls, compulsory education, new calendar.
• Robespierre was executed in 1794, ending the Reign of Terror.
9 A Directory Rules France
• The Constitution of 1795 introduced a 5-member Directory and 2-house legislature.
• Faced corruption and instability.
• 1799: Overthrown in a coup by Napoleon Bonaparte, marking the end of the revolution.
The Revolution and Everyday Life
a) Abolition of Censorship
• Freedom of the press and speech were promoted.
• Newspapers and political clubs became active.
b) New Symbols and Practices
• Liberty cap, tricolor, revolutionary festivals.
• Citizens replaced Monsieur/Madame.
c) Education Reforms
• State took responsibility for education; emphasis on citizenship and secular values.
11. Legacy of the French Revolution
• Spread of revolutionary ideas throughout Europe and colonies.
• Abolition of feudalism and monarchy.
• Inspired future democratic movements and revolutions (e.g., Haiti, Latin America).
• Napoleon preserved some gains but also established authoritarian rule.
Important Terms
Term Meaning
Old Regime Pre-revolutionary system of monarchy and estates
Taille Direct land tax paid by peasants
Tithes Tax to the Church, 1/10th of produce
Jacobins Radical political club
Guillotine Device used for executions
Directory Executive body of 5 members post-Robespierre
Bastille Fortress-prison, symbol of despotism, stormed in 1789
