what were the causes and course of the french revolution

by Ms. Edwina Price 5 min read

A very brief history of the causes and course of the French Revolution Causes of the French Revolution. The despotic power of the King; Royal power was absolutely supreme and the country was deemed to be the royal domain. The power of the nobles had been finally crushed by the suppression of the Fronde in 1652.

[1] The French revolution occurred for various reasons, including poor economic policies, poor leadership, an exploitative political- and social structures. The political causes of the French revolution included the autocratic monarchy, bankruptcy and extravagant spending of royals.May 26, 2020

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What are three major causes of the French Revolution?

Feb 23, 2021 · Main causes of the French revolution. Listed below are the few causes of French Revolution. Social – The social conditions in France in the late 18th century were remarkably unequal and exploitative. The clergy and the nobility formed the first two Estates and were the most privileged classes in French society. They were excluded from the payment of taxes to …

What were the economic causes of the French Revolution?

The causes can be narrowed to five main factors: the Estate System, Absolutism, ideas stemming from the Enlightenment, food shortages, and The American Revolution. The Estate System in France was essentially a caste system that ranked and placed people into groups based on wealth and power.

What were the causes and effects of the French Revolution?

Nov 30, 2013 · The causes of the French Revolution were based upon the desire for social, economic and political change.

What are the 7 stages of the French Revolution?

Aug 07, 2021 · Social causes of French revolution: The first two estates, the clergy and the nobles were the most privileged sections in French society. They were not required to pay any state taxes. – Weak economic policies, poor leadership, and exploitative political and social systems all contributed to the French revolution.

What was the causes and course of the French Revolution?

Although scholarly debate continues about the exact causes of the Revolution, the following reasons are commonly adduced: (1) the bourgeoisie resented its exclusion from political power and positions of honour; (2) the peasants were acutely aware of their situation and were less and less willing to support the ...

What were the course of the French Revolution?

The course continues by looking at the three key phases of the French Revolution: the Constitutional Monarchy, which lasted from the Storming of the Bastille to the Execution of Louis XVI (1789 - 1792), the Jacobin Republic and Thermidorian Regime (1792 - 1794), and the Directory (1795 and beyond).

What are 5 causes of the French Revolution?

The causes can be narrowed to five main factors: the Estate System, Absolutism, ideas stemming from the Enlightenment, food shortages, and The American Revolution.

What were the main causes of French Revolution answer in points?

The most important causes of the French Revolution were the nation's debt, the refusal of the nobility and the clergy to pay taxes, egalitarian philosophies, and high food costs.Apr 21, 2017

What are the main causes of revolution?

The main important causes for revolution are governmental and political corruption and colonization. In addition, revolution has many positive and negative effects. Many revolutions started because of government corruption.Nov 24, 2021

What were the main causes of the French Revolution Class 9?

Causes of the French Revolution:Despotic rule of Louis XVI: He became the ruler of France in 1774. ... Division of French society: The French society was divided into three estates; first, second and third estates, respectively. ... Rising prices: The population of France had increased.More items...•Mar 14, 2018

What were the 6 causes of French Revolution?

The 6 Main Causes of the French RevolutionLouis XVI & Marie Antoinette. France had an absolute monarchy in the 18th century – life centred around the king, who had complete power. ... Inherited problems. ... The Estates System & the bourgeoise. ... Taxation & money. ... The Enlightenment. ... Bad luck.

What was the main cause of the French Revolution essay?

[1] The French revolution occurred for various reasons, including poor economic policies, poor leadership, an exploitative political- and social structures. The political causes of the French revolution included the autocratic monarchy, bankruptcy and extravagant spending of royals.May 26, 2020

What were the main causes of French Revolution Class 9 Brainly?

#1 Social Inequality in France due to the Estates System. #2 Tax Burden on the Third Estate. #3 The Rise of the Bourgeoisie. #4 Ideas put forward by Enlightenment philosophers.Jun 26, 2020

What was the French Revolution?

The French Revolution was a time of social and political upheaval in France and its colonies that began in 1789 and ended in 1799. Inspired by liberal and radical ideas, Its overthrow of the Monarchy influenced the decline of absolute Monarchies in other parts of Europe. This article will further elaborate on the causes and effects ...

What was the most violent phase of the French Revolution?

The execution of the king marked the beginning of the most violent and turbulent phase of the French Revolution – the Reign of Terror. The National Convention was under the control of an extremist faction led by Robespierre.

What was the French involvement in the American Revolution of 1776?

The French involvement in the American revolution of 1776 was a costly affair that left the country in a state of near bankruptcy. King Louis’s extravagant spending also did not help matters.

What were the social conditions in France in the late 18th century?

Social – The social conditions in France in the late 18th century were extremely unequal and exploitative. The clergy and the nobility formed the first two Estates and were the most privileged classes in French society. They were exempt from payment of taxes to the State. On the other hand, the Third Estate that consisted of peasants and workers formed the majority of the population. They were burdened with excessive taxes with no political and social rights. As a result, they were extremely discontent.

When was the last time the Estates General was called?

The Estates-General was an assembly that represented the French nobility clergy and the middle class. The last time the Estates-General was called was in 1614 . The date of the meeting was fixed on May 5 1789, where grievances of the three estates would be presented to the king.

What was the intellectual movement of the 18th century?

Intellectual – The 18th century was marked by a conscious refusal by French thinkers of the ‘Divine Rights Theory’. Philosophers like Rousseau rejected the paradigm of absolute monarchy and promulgated the doctrine of equality of man and sovereignty of people.

What happened to the National Assembly in 1789?

Speculations went around regarding an imminent military coup. This led to an insurgency which resulted in the taking of Bastille fortress on July 14, 1789.

What was the influence of the French Revolution?

It was the first great uprising of the people against the autocracy of the ruler. It generated ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity which crossed the boundaries of France and influenced whole of Europe.

How did the French Revolution affect Europe?

It generated ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity which crossed the boundaries of France and influenced whole of Europe. The revolution not only changed the political, social and economic life of the people but also affected the entire course of world history.

Why did Louis XVI convene the Estates General?

In desperation, Louis XVI convened the Estates-General (the French Assembly) on May 5, 1789, so that it would grant him the required amount of money. In the past, voting in the Estates-General had been conducted on the principle that each estate would have one vote.

Where did the Bourbons live?

The Bourbon monarchs lived in splendor in the royal palace of Versailles. The finances of France were in a deplorable condition. The treasury was practically empty after the numerous wars that France was involved in. King Louis XVI was incapable of guiding France through the political and financial crises.

Who were the French philosophers who believed in liberty and equality?

French philosophers like Voltaire, Rousseau and Montesquieu inspired the people with revolutionary ideas of liberty and equality. Montesquieu rejected the theory of the Divine Right of Kings and urged for separation of powers. Rousseau, in his book ‘Social Contract’, announced that sovereign power lay in popular will.

What were the social conditions of France?

The social conditions of France were as distressing as its political organisation. French society was divided into three classes or estates. The privileged class comprising the clergy and the aristocracy formed the first estate and the second estate respectively.

When was the French Constitution written?

It declared, “Men are born and remain free and are equal in rights.”. The drafting of the Constitution was completed by the end of 1791. In 1792, the French monarchy was abolished and France became a republic upholding the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity. A provisional government was set up.

Who was the leader of the French Revolution?

From the very steps of the guillotine, Danton, a great leader of the Revolution, addressed the assembled crowds and threw an open challenge to other European kings. The new republic of France, through conscription, built up a strong army.

What was the first turning point in the French Revolution?

The fall of the Bastille was the first great turning point in the revolution. 14 July is celebrated as the National Day of France to this day. The subsequent popular risings all over the country emboldened the National Assembly to act swiftly.

What is the difference between the French and American Declaration of Independence?

But the American declaration is short, while the French one is long. The Rights of Man include the rights which were supposed to ensure him equality and liberty and happiness.

What was the law of suspects?

In September 1793 the Convention passed the Law of Suspects, which authorized the arrest of persons suspected of opposing the revolution. A month later twenty two Girondins’ deputies of the Convention were tried by the Revolutionary Tribunal and sentenced to death. Thus began the Reign of Terror’.

Why did the women of Paris march to Versailles?

The women of Paris marched to Versailles to demand bread from the King. The crowd was in an aggressive mood. The crowd demanded that bread be provided to them. The royal family, including the King, was mobbed. They forced the King and the royal family to go with them to Paris.

What are the rights of man?

The Rights of Man include the rights which were supposed to ensure him equality and liberty and happiness. The Assembly brought about many other reforms. The vast property of the Church was confiscated by the State. A new division of France was made into eighty departments.

How did the reign of terror end?

The Reign of Terror ended with the fall of Robespierre. Robespierre, the dictator of the Convention, though he was honest, patriotic and a person of integrity, earned notoriety by sending many of his colleagues to the guillotine. In October 1795 the Convention broke up and a Directory of five members assumed power.

What was the French Revolution?

The French Revolution is one of the most significant and famous events of world history. Lasting from 1789 to 1799, it resulted, among other things, in overthrowing the monarchy in France. There were various reasons which brought about the Revolution. These include intellectual reasons like the ideas put forward by the philosophers of the Age ...

What were the bourgeoisie's main goals in the French Revolution?

The bourgeoisie resented the position of the First and the Second Estate, which they believed was derived from their efforts. Moreover, they aspired to attain political equality with the other two estates. The desire of the bourgeoisie to rid themselves of feudal and royal encroachments on their personal liberty, commercial prospects and ownership of property was one of the reasons which led to the French Revolution.

How did the price of bread in France affect the French people?

Louis XVI implemented deregulation of the grain market but it resulted in further increasing the bread prices. The rise in the cost of bread severely affected the common French citizens who resented the monarch for his not being able to solve the food crisis.

Who were the Enlightenment philosophers?

Enlightenment philosophers like John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Baron de Montesquieu questioned the traditional absolute authority of the monarch and divisions of society like the Estates System.

What were the three estates of France?

In the 1780s, the population of France was around 24 million and 700 thousand and it was divided into three estates. The First Estate was the Roman Catholic clergy, which numbered about 100,000. The Second Estate consisted of the French nobility, which numbered about 400,000. Everyone else in France; including merchants, lawyers, laborers and peasants; belonged to the Third Estate, which comprised around 98% of the French population. The Third Estate was excluded from positions of honor and political power; and was looked down upon by the other estates. It was thus angered and resented its position in French society. This led to them coming together to launch the French Revolution in 1789.

What is a tithe?

Tithes was one-tenth of annual produce or earnings taken as a tax for the support of the Church. The Second Estate, or the nobles, owned about 25% of the land. They were exempted from paying many taxes and were allowed to collect dues from peasants.

What caused the famine in 1784?

This led to a severe winter in Europe in 1784 and the following summers included extreme droughts that caused poor harvests and famine. France then experienced another series of poor harvests in 1787 and 1788 with extreme winters. A decade of extreme weather conditions and poor harvests took a toll on the poor peasants of France, who were struggling to survive day to day. The frustration of the peasants angered them to revolt.

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French Revolution of 1789 – Background

  • The French involvement in the American revolution of 1776was a costly affair that left the country in a state of near bankruptcy. King Louis’s extravagant spending also did not help matters. Empty royal coffers, poor harvests and rise in food prices had created feelings of unrest among the poor rural and urban populace. The matter was further worsened by the imposition of taxes that provi…
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Causes of French Revolution of 1789

  1. Social– The social conditions in France in the late 18th century were extremely unequal and exploitative. The clergy and the nobility formed the first two Estates and were the most privileged class...
  2. Economic– As a result of numerous wars waged by Louis XVI the State coffers were empty. The situation was made even more complex by France’s involvement in the American War of …
  1. Social– The social conditions in France in the late 18th century were extremely unequal and exploitative. The clergy and the nobility formed the first two Estates and were the most privileged class...
  2. Economic– As a result of numerous wars waged by Louis XVI the State coffers were empty. The situation was made even more complex by France’s involvement in the American War of Independence and the...
  3. Political– The Bourbon king of France, Louis XVI was an extremely autocratic and weak-willed king who led a life of obscene luxury. This led to a lot of disenchantment among the masses who then wer...
  4. Intellectual– The 18th century was marked by a conscious refusal by French thinkers of the ‘…

Stages of French – Revolution

  • Stage I – The meeting of the Estates-General
    Despite the non-aristocratic members outnumbering the aristocrats in terms of population. Yet, they could be outvoted by the other two bodies. Before the meeting of the Estates-General on May 5, members of the Third Estate (as the non-aristocratic class was known) began to mobilise the …
  • Stage II – The French Revolution Begins
    The National Assembly continued to meet at Versailles. In the meantime, fear and violence had consumed Paris. Speculations went around regarding an imminent military coup. This led to an insurgency which resulted in the taking of Bastille fortress on July 14, 1789. This event marked t…
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The Fall of Bastille

  • The critical moment came after the king shut out the commoners andthe latter assembled in the Tennis-Court and took an oath that they would notdisperse until they found a way out to their problems. The King tried to useforce but his own soldiers refused to obey his orders. Louis then intrigued toget foreign regiments to shoot down his own people. This provoked the people toris…
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National Assembly

  • This Assembly comprised moderate liberals, who wanted aconstitution on the model of England and America. Their leader was Mirabeau.The Assembly was controlled by the middle classes and there was norepresentation to the peasants and the common masses. This National Assembly abolishedserfdom, feudal privileges, including exempting nobles and clergy fromtaxation, even ti…
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Flight to Varennes

  • The King’s position was increasingly shaky. He was not able toreconcile to the legislations passed by the National Assembly. He decided toescape from Paris. Dressing himself as a valet, he escaped along withhis family to Varennes, a border town. However, he was recognized there by apostman, arrested by the National Guards and brought back to Paris. From thenonwards, he re…
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Girondins and Jacobins

  • There were many parties and groups fighting for control of powerin the early days of the Revolution. There were the royalists still hoping toretain Louis XVI as an absolute king. The moderate liberals wanted to keep theKing as a limited monarch. They called themselves the party of the Girondins.The hardcore republicans were the Jacobins. In foreign countries especially inE…
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Constitution of 1791

  • In September 1791, the National Assembly framed the firstconstitution. It provided for a Constitutional monarchy. The Legislatureconsisted of a single chamber of 750 members. The franchise was limited tothose who owned a certain amount of property. The King continued to be theExecutive head, but his powers were considerably limited. But the common peoplewho had st…
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Emigres and Therevolutionary War

  • Many nobles who supported the monarchy fled France and lived inexile. They were known as Emigres (those who had emigrated). This included thebrothers of the King. They lived in the frontier towns bordering France andwere preparing for counter-revolutionary moves. In August 1791, Austria andPrussia together issued the Declaration of Pilnitz, pledging to restoremonarch…
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National Convention andthe Reign of Terror, June 1793-July 1794

  • The first action of the National Convention was to proclaimthe formation of a republic. The trial of Louis XVI was taken up immediatelyand he was condemned to death. He was guillotined. From the very steps of theguillotine, Danton, a great leader of the Revolution, addressed the assembledcrowds and threw an open challenge to other European kings. The new republic ofFra…
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