The French Revolution: A Transformative Era

Posted on Mar 18, 2025 in History

The French Revolution: From Monarchy to Republic

The French Revolution, a pivotal period in French history, began with the proclamation of the bourgeoisie as the National Assembly and concluded with the coup of Napoleon Bonaparte. Before the Revolution, France was under the Old Regime, characterized by absolute monarchy and a stratified society.

The French Revolution was a transformative process that dismantled the Old Regime. The bourgeoisie and the common people, burdened by the existing system, sought change. The bourgeoisie faced limitations imposed by the economic policies of the Old Regime and lacked political power, while the people suffered from widespread famine.

France’s involvement in the American War of Independence further strained its finances, leading to a severe crisis. Minister Calonne’s proposal for the privileged classes to pay taxes was met with resistance, known as the “rebellion of the nobility,” prompting the King to convene the Estates General.

Estates General

During the summoning of the Estates General, the bourgeoisie demanded equal representation with the nobility and clergy combined, advocating for individual voting rather than by estate. They also compiled a Journal of Grievances.

National Assembly

When the King rejected the bourgeoisie’s proposal for individual voting, they defiantly convened at the Jeu de Paume and initiated the drafting of a constitution.

Legislative Assembly

Amidst rumors of the National Assembly’s dissolution, 20,000 soldiers were deployed to the city. This sparked the storming of the Bastille prison, a symbol of royal authority. A violent anti-seigneurial revolt, known as the Great Fear, ensued.

Feudalism was abolished, and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was adopted.

Convention

In June 1791, the royal family’s attempt to flee the country led to the King’s arrest. The Republic was proclaimed, and war was declared against Austria.

Girondin Convention

  • Execution of Louis XVI.
  • War against Austria.

Jacobin Convention (Radicals)

The Jacobins established a revolutionary government and implemented a policy known as the Reign of Terror to eliminate both internal and external enemies of the Revolution.

Bourgeois Republic (Directory)

This period marked a return to moderate rule and the end of Jacobin reforms. The wealthy bourgeoisie recognized the army’s importance in maintaining social order.

French Revolution (1789-1792)

In 1789, France faced a socio-economic and political crisis. The bourgeoisie, influenced by the Enlightenment and the examples of England and America, sought to end the Old Regime.

The state grappled with a financial crisis, and the only viable solution was for the nobility to pay taxes, which led to negotiations.

The nobility compelled the King to convene the Estates General.

End of the Old Regime

  • In 1789, the Estates General sessions commenced, comprising representatives from each estate, each holding one vote.
  • The bourgeoisie demanded individual voting (voting by head), not by estate.
  • Representatives were elected to form the National Assembly and draft a constitution.
  • The Third Estate received support from the streets, culminating in the storming of the Bastille on July 14th. The Revolution also spread to the countryside with anti-seigneurial revolts.
  • The Assembly abolished feudal privileges and promulgated the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

The Bourgeois Revolution (1789-1792)

The National Assembly aimed to transform France into a constitutional and parliamentary monarchy. The Constitution of 1791 enshrined:

  • Separation of powers
  • National sovereignty
  • Equality before the law
  • Census suffrage

A series of laws were enacted, abolishing torture, expropriating Church property, and imposing taxes on the nobility, effectively ending the Old Regime.

The Fall of the Monarchy: Legislative Assembly (1791-1792)

The Constitution of 1791, while granting economic freedom, restricted political rights for the majority of the population, favoring the wealthy. King Louis XVI’s attempt to flee and join the Austrian army to invade France led to his capture in Varennes and return to Paris as a fugitive.

In 1792, with Austrian forces approaching Paris, the masses stormed the royal palace, leading to the proclamation of the Republic.

The Democratic Revolution: Convention (1792-1794)

  • A new constitution was established in 1793.
  • Universal suffrage was recognized (Maximum Act).
  • Legislation was enacted to protect the poorest classes.
  • A mass decree was issued to address the occupation.
  • The Reign of Terror, under Robespierre, was established.
  • The King, Queen, and many others were guillotined.
  • A coup d’état occurred in July 1794.