French Revolution Notes
Page 1: Introduction to the French Revolution
“Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” – Motto of the French Revolution
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The French Revolution (1789–1799) was a period of radical social and
political change in France that profoundly affected French and
modern history. It led to the downfall of the monarchy, rise of
democracy, and spread of Enlightenment ideals.
Causes of the Revolution:
Social Inequality: French society was divided into three Estates.
The First (Clergy) and Second (Nobility) enjoyed privileges while
the Third Estate (commoners) bore the tax burden.
Economic Crisis: Heavy taxation, debt from wars, and food
shortages created widespread hardship.
Enlightenment Ideas: Philosophers like Rousseau, Voltaire, and
Montesquieu promoted liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Absolute Monarchy: King Louis XVI’s autocratic rule and lavish
spending alienated the people.
American Revolution: Inspired the French with ideas of liberty
and republicanism.
“Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.” – Rousseau
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Page 2: The Three Estates and the Estate-General
Three Estates:
First Estate: Clergy (1% of population), owned 10% of land, paid no
taxes.
Second Estate: Nobility (2% of population), held high positions,
paid minimal taxes.
Third Estate: Commoners (97% of population), paid all taxes, no
political rights.
“The storming of the Bastille was not just the fall of a prison, but the
rise of a nation.”
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Meeting of the Estates-General (May 1789):
Louis XVI called a meeting of all three estates to solve the financial
crisis. The Third Estate broke away and formed the National
Assembly, vowing to write a new constitution (Tennis Court Oath).
Page 3: Major Events of the Revolution
Storming of the Bastille (14 July 1789): Symbol of tyranny, its fall
marked the start of the Revolution.
“Terror is nothing but prompt, severe, inflexible justice.” –
Robespierre
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Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (August 1789):
Ensured liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression.
Abolition of Feudalism: National Assembly ended feudal privileges.
Women’s March to Versailles (October 1789): Forced royal family
to move to Paris.
Constitution of 1791: Established constitutional monarchy.
Page 4: Radical Phase and Reign of Terror
“The Revolution devours its own children.”
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Rise of Radicals:
Jacobins took control, led by Robespierre. King Louis XVI was
executed in 1793.
Reign of Terror (1793–1794):
Robespierre’s Committee of Public Safety executed thousands
using the guillotine.
Suspicion and fear dominated.
Ended with Robespierre’s execution in 1794.
Page 5: Role of Key People and Outcomes
Key People:
“The French Revolution is the ultimate modern revolution.”
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Louis XVI: Weak monarch, executed for treason.
Marie Antoinette: Queen, symbol of royal excess.
Maximilien Robespierre: Radical leader, architect of Reign of
Terror.
Jean-Paul Marat and Danton: Influential revolutionaries.
Outcomes:
End of monarchy and rise of republic.
Spread of revolutionary ideas across Europe.
Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Page 6: Impact and Legacy
Impact on France:
Abolished feudal system.
Introduced legal equality and secular laws.
Strengthened nationalism.
Global Influence:
Inspired revolutions and democratic movements worldwide.
Set the stage for modern nation-states.
Conclusion:
The French Revolution changed the course of history by ending
absolute monarchy and laying the foundation for democratic
institutions.
