say with certainty the exact dates the revolution began and ended.
According to Ernest Mandel of International Viewpoint, the term, revolution, is substantially more than the overthrow of political or social structures, collectively known as a regime.
Moreso, a revolution is defined by the spirit or essence that motivates an often large population of oppressed people, inspiring them, to finally take control of a situation they have not been in control of for an extended period of time. A revolution is not as much about the actions being committed, but more about the spirit that brings a group together in order to revolt. This spirit can be either positive or negative in nature and influence; regardless, the essence of the revolt is the primary point in which one’s attention should be focused
on.
On the 17th of June, 1789, The Third Estate of France declared themselves the National Assembly and drafted their own constitution is opposition to the reigning monarch of France, King Louis XVI. Referred to as The Tennis Court Oath, the drastic and bold actions executed by The Third Estate were a result of the constant building of tension between all three of the estates, as well as the monarchy. The newly acclaimed national assembly desired quick and radical change in order to address and at the very least appease the multitude of cahiers de doléances brought forth by the abundance of representatives from across France. Because the symbolization of being the moment France began to turn a new leaf towards a more progressive era, The Tennis Court Oath is often thought of as being the exact instant The French Revolution began. However, since a revolution is defined by the spirit or essence that brings a group of revolts together, The Tennis Court Oath does not fulfill the criteria. The action of declaring the new National Assembly by The Third Estate was a significant part of the revolution, but is in no way the start. The events of June 17, 1789 would never have happened if the members of The Third Estate had not been encouraged and prompted by each other to strive for more fulfilling lives. The spirit of the revolution led to The Tennis Court Oath, not the opposite.