The French Revolution: Causes, Legacy, and Enlightenment Principles

The American Revolution's Influence on France

The Declaration of Independence of the US of America defended the inalienable rights of the citizen, the separation of powers, and the right to elect a government.

Enlightenment principles and the American Revolution gave the bourgeoisie new ideas. They proposed new forms of social organization and government. This led to the revolutionary cycle that began in France.

Causes of the French Revolution

• Social and Economic Crisis: 80% of poor peasants were upset with the land system, property rights, and excessive taxes.
• Financial Crisis: Price increases and financial strain caused by numerous wars.

The Revolution Begins (May 1789)

The Estates-General met in May 1789. They created the National Assembly, aiming to draft a constitution that reflected the will of the majority. The people of Paris supported the Assembly. Louis XVI was frightened and accepted the National Assembly.

The Enduring Legacy of the French Revolution

Political Impact: Basis of Modern Democracy

• Citizens gained rights to freedom of religion, speech, and political rights to choose representatives.
• Constitutional Rule of Law: A legal code was established to organize the state, guaranteeing the separation of powers and equality before the law.
• Nobility and clergy were required to pay taxes and contribute to the state.
• The creation of political clubs, freedom of speech, and a political press flourished.

Economic Liberalization

• Abolition of guilds.
• Freedom of trade and elimination of internal customs (tariffs).
• Development of the bourgeoisie.
• Land became a trade product.
• The metric system was introduced, benefiting commerce.

Education and Culture

• Education became secular (non-religious), public, and compulsory.
• Creation of state schools and public museums.

Key Historical Concepts and Definitions

Colonial Trade (Social Hierarchy Description)

The social structure placed the King first, followed by the nobility and clergy, who held political rights. Under them were the bourgeoisie (about 10%), and finally the peasants, who lacked political rights.

Parliamentarism

The parliamentary system of government.

Enlightened Despotism

A form of government in which an absolute monarchy implements legal, social, and educational reforms inspired by the Enlightenment.

Philip V

Supported the war and later became King of Spain.

Nueva Planta Decrees

The territory was divided into provinces governed by a Captain General with military and administrative power.

Treaty of Utrecht

A treaty that recognized Philip V as King in exchange for territory in Europe and Spain.

Habeas Corpus

A text guaranteeing individual freedoms.

Encyclopédie

A written compilation of knowledge and the ideas of the Enlightenment.

Girondins

The more moderate faction of the bourgeoisie who controlled the Republic during a phase of the French Revolution.

Rococo

A style characterized by extensive detail and decoration.