french revolution cause and effects summary

The French Revolution Overview

Old Regime (Ancien Regime)

  • Definition: Socio-political system in Europe during the 18th century.

  • Absolutism: Monarchs had absolute control over governments.

  • Social Classes:

    • Privileged: Exempt from taxes, treated well.

    • Unprivileged: Paid taxes, treated poorly.

Three Estates in France

  • First Estate: High-ranking clergy; privileged, owned 20% of land, paid no taxes.

  • Second Estate: Nobility; also privileged, owned 20% of land, paid no taxes.

  • Third Estate: Everyone else; included peasants and wealthy bourgeoisie; unprivileged.

Government and Society

  • Divine Right of Kings: Monarchs ruled by divine right; questioning the monarchy was seen as blasphemy.

  • Economic Burdens: Primarily agricultural economy; peasants faced heavy taxes, especially during poor harvests.

Key Economic Issues

  • Bankruptcy: Luxurious spending by Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, combined with costly wars, led to government debt.

  • Deficit Spending: Government spent more than it earned; privileged classes refused to be taxed.

Catalyst for Change

  • Enlightenment Ideas: Philosophes questioned traditional governance and the divine right; advocated for rational principles.

  • Causes of Revolution:

    • Long-term: Absolutism, mercantilism, bad harvests, Enlightenment influence.

    • Short-term: Bankruptcy, the Great Fear, Estates-General meetings, attacks on nobles.

Critical Events Leading to Revolution

  • Estates-General (May 5, 1789): Representatives met; voting system created tension between estates.

  • Tennis Court Oath: Third Estate's declaration as the National Assembly, vowing to draft a constitution.

Phases of the French Revolution

  1. National Assembly (1789-1791): Storming of the Bastille; abolishment of feudal privileges.

  2. Legislative Assembly (1791-1792): Royal family's flight to Varennes; rise of political factions.

  3. Convention (1792-1795): Abolishment of monarchy; trials and executions of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

  4. Directory (1795-1799): Nationalism grows despite corruption; rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Major Philosophies

  • Declaration of the Rights of Man: Established fundamental rights; emphasized liberty, equality, and fraternity.

  • Women’s Rights: Limited progress; Olympe de Gouges advocated for women's equality.

Outcomes of the Revolution

  • End of Monarchy: Establishment of the First French Republic.

  • Reign of Terror: Led by the Committee of Public Safety; thousands executed, including political figures.

  • Culmination: Establishment of the Directory; eventual rise of Napoleon.

Lasting Impact

  • Societal Changes: Overthrown the monarchy; Church's influence diminished; emergence of nationalism.

  • Legislation: New laws addressing feudalism; the metric system introduced; public education system established.

Causes and Effects Summary

  • Immediate Causes: Financial crisis, social unrest.

  • Immediate Effects: Establishment of a republic, ongoing revolutions across Europe.