The Revolution started because of economic crisis, unfair taxation, and resentment of the privileges of the First and Second Estates.
Enlightenment ideas inspired the Third Estate to demand rights, liberty, and a fairer government.
The Revolution was significant because it ended absolute monarchy, spread the idea of popular sovereignty, and challenged the traditional order across Europe.
The 1791 Constitution
This constitution created a constitutional monarchy, limiting the king’s powers.
It established the Legislative Assembly, giving more political voice to property-owning men.
While it was a step towards reform, many radicals felt it didn’t go far enough, while conservatives thought it went too far.
Fate of the Monarchy
The monarchy was weakened after Louis XVI’s failed Flight to Varennes (1791), which destroyed trust in the king.
In 1792, France declared war on Austria and Prussia, heightening fear that Louis was plotting against the Revolution.
Louis XVI was tried for treason and executed in January 1793, marking the end of monarchy and the beginning of a republic.
The Terror (1793–1794)
The Committee of Public Safety, led by Robespierre and others, took control to defend the Revolution.
Harsh measures were introduced, including censorship, military mobilization, and the Law of Suspects.
Thousands were executed by the guillotine, including Queen Marie Antoinette and revolutionary leaders seen as “too moderate.”
Robespierre
Robespierre believed in ruling through virtue and terror to protect the Republic from enemies.
He pushed radical reforms, such as the Cult of the Supreme Being, trying to replace Catholicism with civic religion.
His growing extremism and dictatorial power led to his downfall and execution in 1794, ending the Terror.
Thermidorean Reaction
After Robespierre’s fall, France shifted to a more moderate phase of the Revolution.
The Directory (1795–1799) was established, reducing the influence of radicals and trying to stabilize France.
However, corruption and inefficiency weakened the Directory, setting the stage for Napoleon’s rise.
Common Mistake
Students sometimes treat the Revolution as one single movement, forgetting its different phases (constitutional monarchy → republic → radical Terror → Thermidorean Reaction).
Some describe Robespierre only as a “dictator,” without linking him to the goals and ideals he claimed to defend.
Exam technique
Show change over time. Explain how the Revolution evolved from monarchy to republic, rather than just describing events.
Always connect policies to impact (e.g., 1791 Constitution limited royal power → but failed to satisfy radicals → led to monarchy’s downfall).
Active recall
To what extent did the 1791 Constitution solve the problems of the Ancien Régime?
Examine the role of Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety during the Terror.
How significant was the execution of Louis XVI in transforming France from monarchy to republic?