Key Causes and Phases of the French Revolution Explained
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Causes of the French Revolution
The revolution was sparked by several critical factors:
- Bad harvests: Led to rising food prices and popular discontent.
- Bourgeoisie marginalization: Inspired by Enlightenment ideas, the bourgeoisie aspired to end the Old Regime.
- Financial crisis: The state was plunged into a deep crisis due to high costs.
The Aristocratic Revolution
The privileged classes refused to pay taxes and demanded that Louis XVI convene the Estates General, the only body capable of fiscal reform.
The End of the Old Regime
Supported by the people, representatives of the Third Estate stormed the Bastille on July 14, 1789. They took up arms to defend the revolutionary process, which soon extended to the countryside in the form of an anti-feudal revolt.
Phases of the Revolution
Constitutional Monarchy (1789–1792)
The National Assembly initiated a reform process to transform France into a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. A constitution was promulgated, establishing:
- Separation of powers
- National sovereignty
- Legal equality of citizens
Although the King reserved the right of veto, a census-based franchise was established. The Legislative Assembly was formed to ensure equality for all citizens. To address the financial crisis, Church assets were expropriated, declared national property, and sold to private individuals, effectively separating Church and State.
The Rise of the Republic
Popular sectors grew unhappy with the revolutionaries. Tensions peaked when the King attempted to flee to the Austrian army, which planned to invade France and restore absolutism. Consequently, the palace was attacked, the monarch was imprisoned, and the Democratic Republic was proclaimed.
The Girondin Convention
The Republic fell into the hands of the Girondins, who implemented universal male suffrage for the new National Convention. The Convention conducted a trial of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette; both were accused of treason, sentenced to the guillotine, and executed.