The French Revolution

Causes of the French Revolution

The French Revolution has political, social, and economic causes.

Politically, France suffered under an Absolute Monarchy, and most people were denied basic rights, or a say in their government.
Socially, France was divided among 3 Estates, or classes. The 3rd Estate, which constituted 98% of the population, had the fewest rights, the least amount of land, and the heaviest tax burden.
Economically, France faced a severe financial crisis due to overspending. Also, bad harvests resulted in food shortages. The Third Estate faced the greatest burden because of these problems.

The First Estate- Those Who Prayed

The First Estate was made up of the clergy. They owned roughly 10% of land in France and made up about 10% of the population during the 18th Century. The church paid a “voluntary gift” every five years in lieu of taxes.

The Second Estate- Those Who Fought

The Second Estate was made up of the French aristocracy. Originally, the French nobles had been the feudal lords who fought alongside the French king and protected the peasant families who lived on their lands. However, by the 18th Century most Aristocrats were living in opulent splendor at Versailles, waiting on the king. Instead of brandishing swords and suits of armor they paraded about in high heels and powdered wigs. The aristocracy owned 25% of the land in France and was made up of around 400,000 people. They were lightly taxes, or not taxed at all. And to add insult to injury, the French nobles could impose taxes on peasants living on their land. They could tax them for fishing and hunting rights, to baking bread and to press grapes into wine. And there was nothing that the peasants could do about it.

The Third Estate- Everyone Else

Originally, the third estate was made up of peasants and unskilled laborers. Generally, this group was on equal footing in the Middle Ages. However, as trade expanded and learning flourished during the European Renaissance, a new class of educated and well-to-do merchants emerged in the Third Estates. This new bourgeoisie class did not take too kindly to being bossed around by the nobles. Well educated lawyers, doctors and writers were included in the bourgeoisie class. The Third Estate bore the brunt of the tax burden in France. At the time of the French Revolution, 98% of those who were taxed had no say in their government.

In 1789, King Louis XVI called the Estates General, France's weak legislative body to deal with the crisis. The meeting begins the French Revolution as the Third Estate attempts to better their situation by taking control of government.

Stages of the French Revolution

1st Stage:

National Assembly - Third Estate declares itself the National Assembly, vows to write new Constitution. (1789)

2nd Stage:

Limited Monarchy - New Constitution of 1791 limits the monarchy, sets up a representative assembly.

3rd Stage:

Radicals - In 1792, Radicals take over. Robespierre is leader. Reign of Terror, many die as result.

4th Stage:

Directory - Moderates return to government. In 1795, 5 man Directory runs country. Government very weak.

5th Stage:

Napoleon - 1799 Coup d'etat (take over) Napoleon takes control from Directory. 1802 - names himself Emperor of the French. Absolute government again.

Results of the French Revolutiuon

Democracy in Action - The French Revolution provides an example to other nations, especially Latin America. The democratic ideas of "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" were spread across Europe.

Nationalism Grows - Nationalist (feeling of pride in one's country above all) ideas were spread, which would in turn lead to the unification of Italy and Germany.

Rise of the Middle Class - The growing Middle Class asserted their power, and would come to dominate politics throughout Europe as limitations were placed on existing monarchs, or they were ousted in favor of other forms of government.