The French Revolution: From Monarchy to Napoleon

Primary Causes of the Revolution

Since 1760, bad harvests provoked a rise in food prices and widespread popular dissatisfaction.

The bourgeoisie was also unhappy due to the political exclusion they were subjected to by the nobility.

The French monarchy suffered a deep financial crisis prompted by the high expenses of the court and the State.

Major Events of the French Revolution

• A) National Assembly: June–July 1789
• B) Constituent Assembly: July 1789–1791
• C) Legislative Assembly: 1791–1792
• D) The Convention: 1792–1795
• E) The Directory: 1795–1799
• F) The Consulate: 1799–1804

The Constitutional Monarchy Phase

National Assembly (June–July 1789)

• The Third Estate left the Estates-General.
• The Attack on the Bastille.
• The Tennis Court Oath.

Constituent Assembly (1789–1791)

• Abolition of feudalism.
• Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.
• Constitution of 1791.

Legislative Assembly (1791–1792)

• Election for a new assembly featuring two main groups: Girondins and Jacobins.
• Government of the moderate bourgeoisie (Girondins).
• Fall of the Girondins’ government following the attack on the king’s palace.

Type of State: Constitutional Monarchy
Sovereignty: Popular sovereignty
Powers: Legislative (National Assembly), Executive (King), Judicial (Judges)
Election: Limited male suffrage

The French Republic and the Rise of Napoleon

The Convention (1792–1794)

• Proclamation of the Republic.
• Execution of Louis XVI.
• Constitution of 1793.
• Government of radicals (Jacobins led by Robespierre).
• Period of "The Terror": thousands of people executed by the guillotine.
• Fall of the Jacobins’ government and the execution of Robespierre.

The Directory (1795–1799)

• New government of the moderate bourgeoisie (five directors).
• New National Assembly: Chamber of 500.
• Military coup by General Bonaparte to stop political corruption.

The Consulate (1799–1804)

• Napoleon Bonaparte took control of France.
• Napoleon established new laws.
• Napoleon proclaimed himself "Emperor".

Type of State: Republic
Sovereignty: Popular sovereignty
Powers: Legislative (The Convention), Executive (Government), Judicial (Judges)
Election: Universal male suffrage