French Revolution Impact: Enlightenment, Sovereignty, and State Power

Consequences of the French Revolution and Napoleonic Empire

The French Revolution and Napoleonic Empire brought about the triumph of Enlightenment ideas, leading to the disappearance of the Old Regime. This transition is marked by the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen.

Recognition of National Sovereignty

National sovereignty was recognized and approved through national constitutions. These documents defined the rights and obligations of rulers and the ruled, organizing state power. Furthermore, ideas of independence began to emerge in the Latin American colonies. National movements fostered and spread the democratic ideas that triumphed in France. New revolutionary waves spread across much of Europe in the 1820s, 1830s, and 1840s.

The Old Regime Structure

The structure of the Old Regime was characterized by:

• Political Aspect: The king embodied the state as an absolute monarch, holding absolute powers (legislative, executive, and judicial), similar to divine right.
• Social Aspect: Society was divided into the Nobility, the Clergy (with privileges), and the Third Estate (the rest of the population).
• Economic Aspect: Mercantilism prevented economic freedom, with all activities controlled by the king.

Necessary Changes Advocated

The following changes were deemed necessary:

1. A national sovereignty based on liberalism: division of power, advocacy for human rights, and the creation of constitutions.
2. A class-based society open to wealth, replacing the rigid structure.
3. Economic liberalism: disappearance of state control in the economy.

It was considered unfair that only one sector of the population—the poor or rich peasants and the bourgeoisie—should pay taxes.

End of an Era

The French Revolution marked the end of the reign of Louis XVI and the Old Regime, signaling the beginning of the Contemporary Age.

Fiscal Crisis and Reform Attempts

The attempt by ministers to reduce state debt by increasing taxes on the privileged classes failed, as they clung to their privileges, blocking any sort of tax reform.

Demands of the Third Estate

The Third Estate demanded that their case be heard and sought deep reforms, particularly regarding individual voting rights.

Catalyst for Change

The prevailing ideology provided the necessary foundation to end the Old Regime. Given the urgent need for fiscal reform, the king was compelled to seek approval for new taxes, leading him to summon the Estates General in 1789.