French Revolution: Causes, Stages, and Key Events

1. The Outbreak of the French Revolution

1.1 The Causes of the Revolution

In 1789, France was in an economic and social crisis. For one thing, poor harvests and rising prices had been occurring since 1760. On the other hand, the bourgeoisie were dissatisfied with their political marginalization. Besides, the monarchy was in a deep financial crisis.

1.2 The Beginning of the Revolution: 1789

The French Revolution began with a revolt of the aristocracy. The privileged refused to pay taxes and demanded that Louis XVI convene the Estates-General, the only body that could adopt a social reform. The Estates-General opened at Versailles in 1789, chaired by the king, and formed by representatives of the nobility, the clergy, and the Third Estate.

1.3 The End of the Old Regime

Paris supported the Third Estate representatives, and on July 14, they stormed the Bastille fortress, took up arms, and prepared to defend the revolutionary process by force. The revolution also extended to the countryside, forming an anti-seigneurial revolt.

2. The Stages of the French Revolution

2.1 The Phases of the Revolution

• The Constitutional Monarchy (1789-1792): Supported by the conservative bourgeoisie.
• The Democratic Republic (1792-1794): Driven by the radical bourgeoisie and the popular sectors.
• The Bourgeois Republic (1794-1799): A return of power to the conservative bourgeoisie.

2.2 The Constitutional Monarchy

In 1789, the National Assembly began the process of making France a constitutional and parliamentary monarchy. In 1791, it promulgated a constitution that exemplified the ideals of political liberalism. Following the approval of the constitutional text, a Legislative Assembly was formed that drafted new legislation to guarantee equality between citizens. It also created the National Guard. Church property assets were expropriated and declared national property.

2.3 The Failure of Constitutional Monarchy

The royal family's opposition to the revolution was manifested following their flight from France to join the Austrian army, which planned to invade France and restore absolutism. In April 1792, the Legislative Assembly declared war on Austria. The Austrians invaded France and reached the gates of Paris.