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Importance of Revolutionary Events: The French Revolution, Russian Revolution, and rise of Nazism were significant in shaping the modern world.
Central Ideas: Liberty, freedom, and equality are rooted in historical struggles; their development was influenced by various global movements.
Impact on Society: The French Revolution ended monarchy in France and established new governance systems, with the Declaration of the Rights of Man highlighting individual rights and equality.

Time and Context: The revolution began on July 14, 1789, amidst unrest in Paris as people feared military action by the king against citizens.
Popular Response: Citizens formed a militia and stormed the Bastille, a symbol of kingly oppression, which was demolished by angry crowds seeking arms.
Aftermath: This event marked the start of a series of uprisings leading to the king's execution; initial protests also centered around food prices.

Financial Crisis: Louis XVI's reign began with an empty treasury due to wars and lavish spending. France's financial woes were exacerbated by support for American independence.
Taxation Inequities: The Old Regime taxes burdened the third estate (commoners) while the clergy and nobility were exempt.
Structure of Society:
- French society divided into three estates: 1st (clergy), 2nd (nobility), 3rd (or commoners) with vast economic disparities.
- The third estate comprised peasants and a growing middle class who increasingly viewed their taxation and societal standing as untenable.

Population Growth: The population rose sharply (23 million in 1715 to 28 million in 1789), leading to higher food demands which could not be met, triggering subsistence crises.
Wealth Disparity: Economic struggles led to widening poverty gaps, with food prices soaring often due to poor harvests.

Emergence of Middle Class: Prosperous members of the third estate, comprising merchants and educated professionals, pushed for rights and challenged noble privileges.
Enlightenment Influence: Ideas from philosophers like John Locke and Rousseau fostered demands for merit-based social structures and political rights.

Estates General: Louis XVI called a meeting of the Estates General in May 1789 to address the financial crisis, which soon led to a walkout by the third estate.
Formation of National Assembly: On June 20, 1789, representatives declared themselves a National Assembly, vowing to create a constitution.
Tennis Court Oath: Members pledged not to disband until a constitution was established; this oath underscored democratic aspirations.

Storming of the Bastille: The fortress's fall symbolized the start of the revolution and rejection of royal authority.
Abolishing Feudalism: On August 4, 1789, the National Assembly abolished feudal privileges, including tithes, greatly altering societal structures.

1791 Constitution: Introduced a constitutional monarchy by separating powers among legislative, executive, and judiciary branches.
Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen: Enshrined individual rights and civic duties, asserting equality before the law and the principles of liberty.
Political Rights: Limited voting rights to educated men, while women remained disenfranchised, illustrating continuing gender inequalities.

Radicalization of Revolution: The Jacobin-led government enacted severe measures against perceived enemies, establishing a climate of fear.
Robespierre's Leadership: His advocacy for terror as a tool of governance led to further purges and societal chaos, ultimately leading to his downfall.

Participation: Women organized clubs and demanded political rights, illustrating their active involvement in revolutionary activities.
Olympe de Gouges: Criticized the exclusion of women from the rights outlined in revolutionary documents, advocating for gender equality.

Establishment of a Republic: The monarchy was abolished in 1792; universal manhood suffrage was instituted later.
Impact on International Relations: The revolution inspired movements worldwide, but also sparked wars as European monarchies sought to quash revolutionary ideologies.
Long-Term Reforms: Ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity influenced political thought and movements throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, affecting societies globally.