...Joshua Muench July 24, 2014 Western Civ Part 2 The French Revolution The French Revolution began in 1789 and ended in the late 1790’s with the ascension of Napoleon Bonaparte. This period in European history is one of the most bold and iconic periods in the west and through it came many things of significant historic value. During this period, French citizens radically changed and redesigned their country’s political landscape, a system of century old institutions such as absolute monarchy and the feudal system. This revolution first grabbed the attention of the world due to what it promised as its outcome, human rights and broad-based political participation. Its most famous slogan pledged “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity” for all. (595) Like in the American Revolution, the French Revolution was brought on by the ideas of enlightenment, in specific, the ideas of popular sovereignty and inalienable rights. The movement played a pivotal role in shaping modern nations. Although it failed to achieve all of its goals and at times degenerated into violent bloodbaths, the French Revolution did however show the world something, the power inherent in the will of the people. The beginnings of the French Revolution can be looked at as starting shortly after the American Revolution due to the French’s involvement. The French’s involvement in the American Revolution was a costly one, and piled along with the frivolous spending of King Louis XVI, the country was on the verge...
Words: 1447 - Pages: 6
...The French Revolution: The French Revolution was a time for spreading out and finding freedom for the French. It was a way for the French to recreate their government to give some kind of equality for their people. Though for woman in that time period it was still a struggle for equal rights during the rest of country’s upheaval. The French Revolution was caused by a downfall in the royal family, having to do with serious financial issues. King Louis XVI call in the French Estates General in 1788, to help with the financial crisis the country was going through (Doyle). The Estate General was divided into three estates: First Estate representing the upper class, the Second Estate representing middle class, and the Third Estate representing the lower class. There was one vote for each estate, and in the past the Second Estate and the First Estate had joined together to defeat any proposals for reform from the Third Estate. The Third Estate was determined that would not be so in the current assembly and pushed for the vote of each representative to be counted as a separate vote. They were not able to agree on a voting method. Leading the Third Estate and the lower half Second Estate to break away from the Estates General, forming the National Assembly on June 17, 1789 (Doyle). King Louis XVI admitted defeat on June 27, first appeasing then confrontational ordered his nobles, and the upper half Second Estate to join the National Assembly effectively ending the Estates General...
Words: 1093 - Pages: 5
...The French revolution, a complex series of events that occurred between the years1789 to 1799, had three stages. The first stage involved a relatively peaceful constitutional struggle; the second was one crisis and consolidation where the government spent a lot of resources fighting vestiges of the Old Regime; while the third phase entailed military rule under Napoleon as the government drifted into corruption. Judging by the events that took place and the impacts that came forthwith, I feel the second phase was the most ‘important’ in terms of the transitions that occurred during this period. During these four incidental years, we notice the formation of a republic that elected a national convention. The king was also executed in the second French revolution and war between Britain , Holland , Spain , and France arose. (Coffins, 706) There were a number of causes for the second revolutionary period that proved to be more radical than the previous stage. One of the most relevant causes was the toppling of moderate leaders who were replaced by radicals claiming to rule on behalf of the common people. The revolution in this era produced a remarkable politicization of the common people, especially in cities. Political awareness was heightened by shortages and fluctuating prices as well as demonstrations that tool place to air the demands of cheaper bread (Coffins, 698). Prevalent, was a lack of effective national leadership since Louis XVI remained a weak, vacillating...
Words: 500 - Pages: 2
...True the ideas that were promoted by the philosophies were a contributor to The French Revolution but they were not the cause. The cause was the economic and social problems that faced France in those years of turmoil. I believe that The French Revolution was caused by The Social and Economic woes of the days. The rule of the aristocracy lasts as long as the rural population continues to ignore or neglect the crafts, and the ownership of land continues to be the soul basis of wealth. When handicrafts and commerce take hold among the people and create a new source of wealth benefiting a new class of working people, this paves the way for a revolution in political structure. A new distribution of wealth opens the way to a new distribution of power. In the same way that the possession of land creates an aristocracy, industrial property increases the power of the people; it provides the means to achieve its freedom. Antoine P. J. M. Barnave also believed that without the economic tribulations that were pending in France there would have been no need for change. The third estate could be broken down into three parts: the rich, bourgeoisie; the middle, lawyers, doctors, businessmen; and the poor, the peasant, farmer. There was much change in the economic world of the third estate. For instance the bourgeois were gaining land and therefore making money. 35% of the land was left to the 22 to 23 million peasants, the bourgeoisie held about 30% of the land, the 350 000 members of the nobility...
Words: 1199 - Pages: 5
...the citizens. Yet the Bastille was hated by all, because it stood for the despotic power of the king. The days that followed saw more rioting both in Paris and the countryside. Most people were protesting against the high price of bread. ultimately led to the execution of the king in France, though most people at the time did not anticipate this outcome. To meet its regular expenses, such as the cost of maintaining an army, the court, running government offices or universities, the state was forced to increase taxes. Yet even this measure would not have sufficed. French society in the eighteenth century was divided into three estates, and only members of the third estate paid taxes. high debt, high interest payment, high interest rate. already there were many taxes imposed. taxes paid only by the third estate. too much pressure on the third estate. combined with high bread prices, led to revolution. In addition to merchants and manufacturers, the third estate included professions such as lawyers or administrative officials. All of these were educated and believed that no group in society should be privileged by birth. Rather, a person’s social position must depend on his merit. philosophers such as John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau. In The Spirit of the Laws,Montesquieu proposed a division of power within the government between the legislative, the executive and the judiciary. This model of government was put into force in the USA, after the thirteen ...
Words: 1382 - Pages: 6
...What were the main causes which brought about the 1789 French revolution. There were two main types of causes which caused the revolution, namely the fundamental causes (long term) which were caused long time before the revolution and the immediate (short term) which came at short notice The fundamental causes were The political causes: the governance system in France before 1789 was known as the Ancien Regime: during this time the king had an absolute power which meant that he could do what he wanted without consulting his decisions. An example of this is the letre de cachet which was a letter sent from the king saying that you are being imprisoned without giving you the chance to defend yourself. The estate’s general had last met in 1614. All the ministers in France were not chosen democratically but by the type of noble background they had. There was no freedom or press nor of press so the normal people could not have a say in their country`s government and so could not show their grievances. Socio-economic: the nobles and the higher clergy which were only 3% of the French population were the most privileged classes, they who were the most rich were exempted from paying taxes. On the other hand the peasant who could hardly afford to feed his family had to pay high taxes which made up nearly half of his income to both the monarchy and the church. The taxes which he had to pay to the monarchy were, the taille,vingtieme and gabelle. To the church he paid the tithe and...
Words: 959 - Pages: 4
...Shelby Barney Mr. Bruns Humanities- Language Arts April 1, 2012 French Revolution The French Revolution took place at the end of the 18th century, leading into the 19th century. The revolution affected places like the Middle East, India, North America, South America and Europe. There are many theories on what caused the French Revolution. For example, many people thought it was caused by Enlightened philosophers. But they did not cause it. Only some of their ideas were used to shape it. During this time many of their ideas hadn’t been widely spread, so people could not react and start trouble. (Shy - pg. 66) The Revolution was caused by a political crisis two decades after the Enlightenment had reached its high point. (Shy – pg. 66) There was a lot of problems in France at the time like how they were in major debt and facing bankruptcy. They tried to change the government from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy, but that just led to more trouble. Riots broke out, which made it harder to try and restore France. It then turned into a democratic based government. The new government was based on political equalities and status from birth. (Shy – pg. 67) This yet again, created more problems in France. There was a stop to treasury payments and they were forced to reform taxes. After deciding that they couldn’t go on like this, the Estates General met to decide how much power the clergy, nobility and the commoners will have. This became known as the Third Estate...
Words: 547 - Pages: 3
...French Revolution The French Revolution last from 1789 to 1799. This war had many causes that began the revolution. Its causes ranged from the American Revolution, the economic crisis in France, social injustices to the immediate causes like the fall of Bastille, the Convening of he Estate-General, and the Great Fear. As a result of this revolution there many effects , immediate and long term. The immediate effects were the declaration of rights of man, abolishing of olds reign, execution of king and queen, the reign of terror, and war and forming of the citizen-army. The long term effects were the rise of Napoleon, spread of revolutionary ideas, growth of nationalism, and the conservative reaction. The contributing factors to the French Revolution was the economic crisis in France. The French government had undergone economic crises, resulting from the long wars waged during the reign of Louis XIV, the losses incurred in the French and Indian War, and increased indebtedness arising from loans to the American colonies during the American Revolution. The American Revolution showed that they got economical and political freedom from Britain. This liberalism sparked many revolutions in Europe ,but in France the ideas of the Enlightenment and liberalism were put to their fullest test. The French people wanted rights and would later get these. Another reason was that the old regime was ineffective and it abused its power. The immediate causes of the French Revolution were that the...
Words: 770 - Pages: 4
...French Revolution The world has seen many revolutions in history. One of the biggest revolutions was the French Revolution because it brought with it many consequences and influences. The political, social, and economic conditions in France were critical issues in the French Revolution. They were instrumental in the cause of the revolution, played a role in the process of the revolt and were altered greatly as a result of the rebellion. Due to the difficult economic situation in France, there was a lot of discontent with the way the country was being ruled. France had an unfair tax system and a large debt caused by the Seven Years War and the American War of Independence. There was a high unemployment, poor harvest due to bitter winter in 1788-1789, and food was extremely expensive. The government seemed uncaring toward the needs of its citizens and was deeply in debt. Also large numbers of unhappy French elite citizens began gathering together to complain about the political situation in France. They were discontent with Louis XIV’s rule and even more concerned by Louis the XV’s style of government. Soon this social action changed into political discussion about changes in the French government. The estates system that had been in place in France had not been functioning well, in fact the legislative assembly had not met for 175 years. Social activities lead directly to the will for political changes. By the Louis XIV reign groups of individuals began opposing abusive government...
Words: 887 - Pages: 4
...French Revolution French Revolution The French Revolution played an important part in the history, not only in France but around the world. It showed that a monarchy was not the only option. The French wanted equality for everyone across the country. There was to be a stop in different classes of people and the unfair taxing of money and selling of food. Which the government was so desperate they would try to get every dime and nickel they could from the third estate. In the process of reaching their freedom, the French, had many ideas and ideals that helped shape the French Revolution War. Liberty, equality, brotherhood, hubris, fiscal irresponsibility, democracy and technology were a few of those ideas to say the least. Liberty was one of the things that the French revolutionist yearned. They were not seen as a group of people but seen has money for the government. They wanted freedom and liberty from their monarchy that they were influenced by. Monarchy in France was a king and queen that ruled all and people had no voice. They were ruled under King Louis XVI during the 10-year revolution. As they fought for their freedom from the king and queen, they had to decide where they would go after they had gained their independence. As the United States when they declared their independent from Great Britain they declared themselves a democracy. Ones the French gained their independence and overthrew the king and queen of France, and they became a republic for the people...
Words: 1207 - Pages: 5
...Writing Assignment The French Revolution in 1789 came as a surprise to many people during that time. For a country with such absolute Monarchy and was advanced in every single way comparing to other European countries, revolution is something that no one would expect. However, some Primary Sources clearly shows evidence of the need for revolution among the commoners in France. Some factors that had caused the idea of rebellion include a king that’s completely incompetent, the bankruptcy in the country and hope of liberty after seeing the success of American Revolution. In the end it is the eager for freedom and anger towards high taxes in the third estate that finally led France into the great revolution. In Arthur Young’s travel diaries, he stressed a few key circumstances that led to the outbreak of French Revolution. In his opinion, the French Revolution was not so much a surprise and the seeds of revolution had been spread and deeply ingrained in the French long ago. First, he pointed out the long unsolved financial problem that had been bothering the nation. However, the king in throne does not have the knowledge to solve such crisis nor do the court that immersed themselves in pleasure. On top of the financial crisis, the commoners wanted for some immediate change but do not know what to look up to and hope for. I think what Young is trying telling us is that the root to the revolution is the mass bankruptcy in the country. The king could have solved this primary crisis...
Words: 935 - Pages: 4
...Effects of the French Revolution Robert Vincent HIS/114 Western Civilization January 4, 2013 Dennis Burin Effects of the French Revolution The French Revolution was one of the notable events that played an important part in France’s history. Women, common men, clergy, and nobles took drastic steps to secure freedom for a country that was financially ruined. Liberty During the French Revolution, classes of people were fighting for liberty. Surprisingly enough, woman’s participation played a vital role of the French Revolution; they participated in political, social, and military roles (Grout, 2009). For example, the march of French women participated in the French Revolution due to the promise of universal rights, which were never fulfilled. The French Revolution caused France to institute divorce into their legislation in 1792 giving women the right to a divorce. The legislation was revoked under the Restoration when France returned to orthodoxy in 1816 (Commaille, 1983). The revolutionaries claimed that liberty was an inalienable right, especially because the American colonist defeated the British in the War of Independence. On October 5, 1789 six thousand Parisian women marched on toward Versailles forcing the King to make decisions on problems with the bread supply, high prices, and starvation (Geary, Kishlansky, & O’Brien 2010). Equality and Democracy The French citizens not only wanted liberty, but they also wanted equality. The French people were...
Words: 1223 - Pages: 5
...Influenced Events in the French Revolution De'Anna Andrew HIS/114 April 1, 2014 Julie Thomas Influenced Events in the French Revolution What is a revolution? According to Merriam-Webster (2014), revolution is a fundamental change in political organization; especially: the overthrow or renunciation of one government or ruler and the substitution of another by the governed. Various social, political, and economic conditions led to the revolution. These conditions included dissatisfaction among the lower and middle classes, interest in new ideas about government, and financial problems caused by the costs of wars. Due to fiscal irresponsibility and the hubris attitude of King Louis XVI and other rulers after him, the French were put in crucial circumstances. These circumstances led to what is known as the French Revolution. The French Revolution began in 1789 and ended in 1799 with the rise of Napoleon di Bonaparte. During this given time period, French residents wrecked and rearranged their country’s political scenery, relocating centuries-old régimes such as total monarchy and the medieval system. Similar to the American Revolution before it, the French Revolution was influenced by ideals, mostly the concepts of popular control and undeniable rights. Though it failed to complete all of its goals and at times relapsed into a messy bloodbath, the effort played an uncertain role in influencing recent populations, by showing the world the will-power of the people. Many...
Words: 619 - Pages: 3
...French Revolution Storming of the Bastille, 14 July 1789. Participants French society Location France Date 1789–1799 Result A cycle of royal power limited by uneasy constitutional monarchy; then the abolition and replacement of the French king, aristocracy and church with a radical, secular, democratic republic, which, in turn, becomes more authoritarian, militaristic and property-based. Radical social change based on nationalism, democracy and the Enlightenment principles of citizenship and inalienable rights. Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. Armed conflicts with other European countries. Part of a series on the History of France Prehistory[show] Ancient[show] Early Middle Ages[show] Middle Ages[show] Early modern[show] 19th century[show] 20th century[show] France portal v t e The French Revolution (French: Révolution française; 1789–1799), was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France that had a lasting impact on French history and more broadly throughout Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed within three years. French society underwent an epic transformation, as feudal, aristocratic and religious privileges evaporated under a sustained assault from radical left-wing political groups, masses on the streets, and peasants in the countryside.[1] Old ideas about tradition and hierarchy regarding monarchs, aristocrats, and the Catholic Church were abruptly overthrown by new principles of Liberté, égalité...
Words: 15101 - Pages: 61
...The French Revolution of 1789 had many long-range causes. Political, social, and economic conditions in France contributed to the discontent felt by many French people-especially those of the third estate. The ideas of the intellectuals of the Enlightenment brought new views to government and society. The American Revolution also influenced the coming of the French Revolution. The Philosophes planted the seeds for the French Revolution. Their goals were to expose and destroy the inequalities of the ancient regime (old order). The political discontent of France was one of the causes of the Revolution. In the 17th and 18th centuries, France was ruled by an absolute government. The king had all the political powers. Anyone who criticized the government could be arrested and put in prison without trial. Louis XVI was king at the time of the French Revolution. He was more interested in hunting than governing France. He and his Austrian queen, Marie Antoinette, lived an extravagant life at the Palace of Versailles. They did not really care about the state of their country. The excerpt from the cahiers mentioned in document 3 shows that the votes in the assembly were not taken by head. The people of the 3rd estate felt a sense of betrayal when the king supported the block voting over the head voting. The first two estates worked together to outvote the large third estate to keep them from becoming a threat to the power. Lord Acton, an Englishmen, states that the monarchy being overthrown...
Words: 1173 - Pages: 5
