French Revolution Notes

Causes of the French Revolution:

• French society divided into three estates, with the Third Estate (commoners) bearing the highest tax burden and having minimal rights.

• Absolute monarchs abused their power and denied rights to the people.

• Enlightenment ideas inspired the French people to overthrow the king and establish a government protecting their rights.

• France faced an economic crisis due to excessive spending by the kings and mounting debt.

Events of the French Revolution:

• Declaration of the Rights of Man granted equal rights to men and established fair taxation.

• Reign of Terror involved the execution of thousands by the Jacobins, led by Robespierre, who believed they were loyal to the king.

Effects of the French Revolution:

• King Louis XVI was executed by Robespierre and the Jacobins.

• The middle class gained more power and rights.

Napoleon Bonaparte:

• Napoleon came to power at the end of the French Revolution.

• He expanded French territory, fostering nationalism.

• Napoleon was defeated after invading Russia during the winter; the harsh climate killed thousands of soldiers. This mistake was later repeated by Hitler during WWII.