Causes and Significance of the Revolution
- 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).
Self review
- 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?
