French Revolution: Key Stages and Transformations
Stages of the French Revolution
The National Assembly (1789)
In 1789, King Louis XVI convened the Estates-General to address France’s financial crisis and proposed increasing taxes. The Third Estate, representing commoners, advocated for a new voting system based on individual votes rather than by estate. The king rejected this proposal, leading the Third Estate to declare themselves the sole representatives of the French people, an event known as the Tennis Court Oath. They pledged to create a constitution for France, marking the beginning of the National Assembly.
The Constituent Assembly (1789-1791)
King Louis XVI eventually conceded to the Third Estate’s demands, and a new assembly was elected to draft a constitution. Fearful that the king might gather troops to suppress the Assembly, the people stormed the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, to seize weapons. The Assembly abolished feudalism and approved the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, proclaiming that all men are free and equal under the law. Louis XVI attempted to flee to Austria for support but was apprehended by revolutionaries. In 1791, the Assembly adopted a constitution establishing a constitutional monarchy, separation of powers, and popular sovereignty.
The Legislative Assembly or Constitutional Monarchy (1791-1792)
Following the 1791 Constitution, a new assembly was elected, comprising two main political factions:
- The Girondins: Representing the bourgeoisie, they were moderate revolutionaries who sought to improve the lives of the middle class.
- The Jacobins: Radical revolutionaries who favored a republic and advocated for the trial of the king. They were supported by the sans-culottes, Parisian workers, and championed the interests of workers and the poor.
In 1792, Prussia and Austria declared war on France, fearing the spread of revolutionary ideas. Louis XVI attempted to escape again but was arrested, leading to the end of the monarchy and the establishment of the republic.
The Girondin Convention (1792-1793)
With the republic established, the Girondins assumed control of France. Louis XVI was sentenced to death, prompting Britain and Spain to join Austria and Prussia in the war against France.
The Jacobin Convention (1793-1794)
The Jacobin leader, Robespierre, staged a coup, expelling the Girondins. He imposed a dictatorship known as the Reign of Terror. Robespierre fought counter-revolutionaries, drafted a new constitution, and defeated Austria and Prussia. However, he eventually lost support as the Terror became increasingly unnecessary, leading to his deposition in 1794.
The Directory and the Consulate (1795-1799)
After Robespierre’s fall, a conservative government known as the Directory, composed of five members, including Napoleon Bonaparte, was established. Napoleon, a celebrated general who had defeated Austria, was popular among the French. However, both revolutionaries and monarchists sought to regain power. Napoleon orchestrated a coup, establishing a new government called the Consulate, led by three consuls, with Napoleon as the First Consul.