The French Revolution: Causes and Key Stages Explained

1. Causes of the French Revolution

The Ideas of the Enlightenment

The Enlightenment introduced transformative concepts that challenged the status quo, specifically:

• Equality of all people under the law
• Separation of powers
• Popular sovereignty

The Political Crisis

France functioned as an absolute monarchy under Louis XVI. The King refused to convene the courts, preventing the Third Estate from presenting their demands.

The Economic Crisis

France faced bankruptcy due to its support of the USA in the American War of Independence and the extravagant lifestyle of the monarchy. Despite advisors urging the clergy and nobility to pay taxes, the King was eventually forced to convene the Estates General.

The Social Crisis

• Clergy and Nobility: Sought to protect their privileges.
• Bourgeoisie: Aimed to abolish the absolute monarchy to gain political representation.
• Lower Middle Class and Peasantry: Suffered from poor harvests, war, and high taxes.

2. Stages of the French Revolution

2.1. The National Assembly (1789)

In 1789, Louis XVI convened the courts to increase taxes. The Third Estate proposed a new individual voting system rather than the traditional estate-based vote. When the King refused, the bourgeoisie declared themselves the sole representatives of the French people. This event, known as the Tennis Court Oath, marked the beginning of the National Assembly, where the Third Estate pledged to create a Constitution for France.

2.2. The Constituent Assembly (1789–1791)

After the King accepted the Third Estate's demands, a new Assembly was elected to draft a constitution. Fearing that Louis XVI would gather troops to suppress the Assembly, the people stormed the Bastille on 14 July 1789 to secure weapons.

The Assembly subsequently abolished feudalism and approved the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, establishing that all men are free and equal under the law. Although Louis XVI attempted to flee France to seek support, revolutionaries prevented his escape. In 1791, the Assembly adopted a Constitution, establishing a constitutional monarchy based on popular sovereignty and the separation of powers.