Unraveling the French Revolution: Causes and Key Events

The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in late 1700's France. Several factors contributed to this pivotal moment in history:

1. Abuses of the Ancien Régime: The old order was marked by inequality and privilege.
2. Economic Crisis: Widespread poverty and financial instability fueled discontent.
3. Failure of Louis XVI: The king's ineffective leadership exacerbated the problems.
4. Influence of Enlightenment Philosophers: New ideas challenged the existing power structures.

Economic Crisis and Attempts at Reform

To address the economic crisis, Louis XVI appointed economist Robert Turgot as his finance minister. Turgot proposed strict savings by cutting public expenditure and court privileges, and suppressed restrictions on labor, industry, and trade. These measures were rejected by the privileged classes, leading to Turgot's resignation.

Following Turgot, Calonne and Necker served as finance ministers.

The Estates-General

Under pressure, Louis XVI convened the Estates-General on May 5, 1789, at Versailles. The three estates (clergy, nobility, and commoners) gathered to discuss:

1. Solutions to the economic crisis
2. Reforms to the structure of the state
3. Changes to the voting system

The National Constituent Assembly

Due to Louis XVI's attitude, the Third Estate, reinforced by some members of the nobility and clergy, defied the king and declared themselves the National Constituent Assembly on June 16, 1789. The king eventually relented and ordered the clergy and nobility to join this assembly. Its task was to revise the system of governance and create a new constitution.

Actions Taken by the National Constituent Assembly

1. Abolition of tithes and all feudal rights
2. Adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
3. Incorporation of the principles of national sovereignty, freedom, equality, and the right to property
4. Passage of the Civil Constitution of the Clergy
5. Creation of a national church in France
6. Confiscation of church property
7. A new administrative division
8. Proclamation of freedom of enterprise and work

The Legislative Assembly (1791-1792)

This assembly was responsible for preparing laws. A division emerged between the Girondins and Jacobins regarding war and revolution, dividing the revolutionary front. The revolutionary commune was dismissed by King Louis XVI.

The National Convention (1792-1795)

The National Convention proclaimed the First French Republic and abolished the monarchy. Extreme positions among the revolutionaries led to the condemnation and execution of King Louis XVI, Queen Marie Antoinette, and revolutionaries who opposed Robespierre's policies.

Agencies such as the Revolutionary Tribunal and the Committee of Public Safety were formed, imposing the Reign of Terror in France. The National Convention reacted against Robespierre and his followers, leading to their downfall.