Key Concepts and Phases of the French Revolution

Political Systems: Old Regime vs. Liberalism

A comparison of the dominant political and social structures:

Causes of the French Revolution

Underlying Factors

• The structure of the Old Regime.
• Influence of Enlightenment Ideas.
• The Bourgeoisie resented being part of the Third Estate, bearing the burden of taxation despite their wealth.
• General Economic Crisis.

Specific Causes

• Short-Term Causes: Financial strain due to the war against the British and support for the 13 American Colonies.
• Long-Term Causes:
  • Unfair Taxation system.
  • The rigidity of Absolute Monarchy.
  • Severe Economic Situation, particularly the agricultural crisis.

Key Phases of the French Revolution (1789-1799)

1. The Estates-General (1789)

An assembly representing the Three Estates, convened by the King (Louis XVI) only occasionally, usually during times of crisis.

2. The Tennis Court Oath (Serment du Jeu de Paume)

An agreement made by the deputies of the Third Estate, declaring they would not separate until they had established a constitution.

• The Third Estate asserted: "We Are France!" (reflecting the growing power and frustration of the bourgeoisie).
• Goal: To remain united until a Constitution (the supreme law) was drafted.
• The Storming of the Bastille: The Parisian populace took the prison of Bastille (freeing prisoners and seizing weapons), marking the start of the popular revolution.

3. The National Assembly (1789-1791)

• Declared the Abolition of Privileges held by the First and Second Estates.
• Many nobles fled France (émigrés).
• Louis XVI signed the first Constitution of France (1791).
• Taxes were reformed, based on the ability to pay.
• Key documents established:
  • Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789).
  • The Constitution introduced Census Suffrage (voting restricted by property/wealth).
  • Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen (written by Olympe de Gouges).

The Social Republic (The First French Republic)

• The First French Republic was declared.
• First Government: Led by the Girondins.
• Second Government: Led by the Jacobins.

The Jacobin Period (The Reign of Terror)

The Jacobins, led by figures like Danton, Robespierre, and Marat, implemented radical changes:

• They executed those deemed counter-revolutionary (The Reign of Terror).
• Key Reforms:
  • Ended slavery in France and its colonies.
  • Introduced the Metric System.
  • Started a New Calendar (French Republican Calendar).
  • Completely finished feudalism.

Absolutism and Liberalism (1815–1848)

The period following the defeat of Napoleon marked a struggle between conservative restoration and liberal movements across Europe.

• 1815: Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo.
• The era of Restoration began, attempting to reinstate monarchical power.
• Rise of Secret Societies promoting liberal ideals.
• Nationalism: The political movement supporting the idea of nations having their own independent state.
• Emergence of new political demands, such as Universal Male Suffrage.

The Rise of the Proletariat

The Industrial Revolution created new social dynamics:

• The Working Class expanded significantly.
• PROLETARIAT: A new social group that emerged with the creation of factories. This class worked in the factories and played a crucial role in subsequent political and social movements.