1.

Introduction
● The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval
in France from 1789 to 1799.
● It was fueled by Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, and
it led to significant changes in French society and government.
2. Causes of the French Revolution
● Economic inequality: France was plagued by a rigid social structure that
favored the aristocracy and burdened the lower classes with heavy taxes
and poverty.
● Political discontent: The absolute monarchy, led by King Louis XVI, was
seen as corrupt and out of touch with the needs of the people.
● Enlightenment ideas: Intellectuals and philosophers spread ideas of
individual rights, democratic governance, and the rejection of absolute
monarchy.
3. Estate General and Tennis court oath
● The Estates General, a representative assembly, was convened in 1789 to
address the financial crisis in France.
● The Third Estate, representing the common people, broke away from the
Estates General and formed the National Assembly.
● When locked out of their meeting place, the National Assembly took the
Tennis Court Oath, vowing to write a new constitution for France.
4. Storming of the Bastille
● On July 14, 1789, Parisian revolutionaries stormed the Bastille, a symbol of
royal authority and tyranny.
● The fall of the Bastille became a turning point in the Revolution, as it
symbolized the people's defiance against the monarchy.
5. Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
● The National Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and
of the Citizen in August 1789.
● This document proclaimed fundamental rights and freedoms for all
citizens, including liberty, equality, and the right to resist oppression.
6. Reign of Terror
● The Reign of Terror, led by Maximilien Robespierre, occurred from 1793 to
1794.
● It was a period characterized by mass executions and suppression of
dissent, aimed at eliminating counter-revolutionary elements and
preserving the Republic.
7. Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte
 ● In 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte, a successful military general, staged a coup
d'état and established himself as First Consul.
● He later became Emperor Napoleon I, consolidating power and
implementing reforms in France.
8. Impact of the French Revolution
● Abolition of feudalism: The Revolution abolished feudal privileges and
established legal equality.
● Spread of revolutionary ideas: The French Revolution inspired other
countries to challenge monarchies and seek political change.
● Rise of nationalism: The Revolution fostered a sense of national identity
and patriotism among the French people.
● Transformation of French society: The Revolution brought significant
changes to social structures, including the secularization of the state and
the rise of the bourgeoisie.
9. Conclusion
● The French Revolution marked a watershed moment in history, ushering in
an era of political change, social transformation, and the spread of
revolutionary ideals across Europe. It remains a crucial event in
understanding the development of modern democratic societies.