Key Events and Causes of the French Revolution

Economic crisis

High taxes, food shortages, national debt.

Inequality among the three estates

Disparity in rights and privileges among the clergy, nobility, and commoners.

Enlightenment ideas

Promoting democracy and individual rights.

Weak leadership under Louis XVI

Inability to effectively govern and address the issues facing France.

Influence of the American Revolution

Inspired revolutionary ideas and actions in France.

Estates General

A legislative assembly representing the three estates of France.

First Estate

Clergy.

Second Estate

Nobility.

Third Estate

Commoners (bourgeoisie, urban workers, peasants).

Storming of the Bastille

July 14, 1789; a prison fortress in Paris symbolizing the end of absolute monarchy and the rise of the people's power.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

Liberty, equality, fraternity; rights to freedom of speech, press, and religion.

Committee of Public Safety

Formed to protect the revolution from enemies.

The Terror

Period of political purges and executions led by Robespierre.

Major Reforms of Napoleon

Napoleonic Code (legal equality), centralized government and efficient tax system, public education system.

Nationalism

Loyalty to one's nation, culture, and shared history, expressed through unification movements (Germany, Italy), revolts, and colonial resistance.