French Revolution: From Estates-General to Republic

The Estates-General

Meeting of representatives of the three classes, called by Louis XVI in 1788 to apply for financial aid to ease the financial situation. The representatives came with a booklet of complaints to petition the king:

• The bourgeoisie demanded the end of enlightened absolutism and stratified society.
• The popular classes wanted to improve their living and working conditions.

The First French Republic

It was born when the events taking place in France terrorized European monarchs, who saw their thrones threatened, and they decided to organize a coalition against the French revolutionaries. The people attacked the Tuileries Palace in August 1792, and the royal family was captured. Two parties were born:

• The Girondins: Representatives of the haute bourgeoisie.
• The Jacobins: Supported by the middle and lower-middle class.

At first, the Girondins were imposed. The Convention judged and guillotined Louis XVI. After, the Jacobins took control of the Convention.

The Fall of Napoleon

In 1810, Napoleon was at the height of his power. But trying to cover that large area ended up being excessive, especially in Spain and Russia. In 1813, facing the 6th coalition, the French troops were defeated at Leipzig, and Napoleon was exiled to Elba.

He returned shortly after to rule the Empire of the Hundred Days but was finally defeated at Waterloo, in front of the 7th coalition. He was banished to the island of St. Helena, where he died in 1821.

The Congress of Vienna

The Congress of Vienna (1814-1815) between the conquerors of Napoleon, in which he intended to reorganize Europe. All European nations were represented, but the decisions were of great powers. The conference organizer was the Austrian Chancellor Metternich.

Among the lawmakers decided to return to the Ancien Régime, giving way to the system known as the Restoration.

The Revolutionary Waves

The wave concept is used because the revolution began at a particular point and extended to other countries. In the 19th century, there were three waves: 1820, 1830, and 1848.

In revolutions, Liberalism and Nationalism often acted in unison, but democratic ideals were also protagonists:

• The Liberals defended the census suffrage or restricted suffrage. Only those who appeared in a census of property taxpayers regarding their income should be entitled to vote.
• The Democrats favored universal suffrage, considering that all men were entitled to vote, regardless of income.