The French Revolution Explain the Significance of the Person, Event or Concept in Modern History Within the Time Period 1780-1914.
Alfred Cobban stats in his text, In Search for Humanity, that, “The consequences of the Revolution were so momentous for Europe at the time, and for the whole world subsequently, that it has cast a shadow over the whole of modern history.” The French Revolution brought about significant changes in society and government of France. The revolution, which lasted from 1789 to 1799, also had extending effects on the rest of Europe. It introduced democratic ideals to France but did not make the nation a democracy. However, it did end the supreme rule by French kings and strengthened the middle class. It was motivated by the ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity and led to the growth of political liberalism and nationalism in France. At the same time it also caused conflicts both within and between nations. The revolution began with a government financial crisis but quickly became a movement of reform and violent change. The revolution ended when Napoleon Bonaparte, a French general, took over the government.
Various social, political, and economic conditions led to the French Revolution. These conditions included dissatisfaction among the lower and middle classes, interest in new ideas about government, and financial problems caused by the costs of wars.
Legal divisions among social groups or the three estates had led to much discontent. Members of the clergy made up the first estate, nobles the second, and the rest of the people the third. The third estate was the largest and included the peasants as well as the working people of the cities and a large and prosperous middle class. This third estate resented the certain advantages of the first two. The clergy and nobles were exempt for paying tax, as the peasants generated most of France’s tax revenue.
The revolution was significant in the way it brought about new ideas about government challenged France’s absolute monarchy. Under this system, the king had ultimate authority. He governed under the divine right.
Various social, political, and economic conditions led to the French Revolution. These conditions included dissatisfaction among the lower and middle classes, interest in new ideas about government, and financial problems caused by the costs of wars.
Legal divisions among social groups or the three estates had led to much discontent. Members of the clergy made up the first estate, nobles the second, and the rest of the people the third. The third estate was the largest and included the peasants as well as the working people of the cities and a large and prosperous middle class. This third estate resented the certain advantages of the first two. The clergy and nobles were exempt for paying tax, as the peasants generated most of France’s tax revenue.
The revolution was significant in the way it brought about new ideas about government challenged France’s absolute monarchy. Under this system, the king had ultimate authority. He governed under the divine right.