The French Revolution 1789-1799
Causes
The causes of the French Revolution were mainly internal, political, social, and ideological.
(Swartz)
The Revolution
By the time 1789 rolled around, the government was bankrupt due to Louis XVI's excessive spending. The storming of the Bastille, a French prison, on July 14, 1789 in Paris, France was a key event in the start of the revolution. Standing in the center of Paris, the Bastille stood for royal authority and even though at the time it was stormed there were only seven inmates, this action was one of rebellion. On august 4, 1789, the special privileges of nobility were abolished. This meant the three estates of the kingdom no longer existed, provinces were abolished, and parliaments were suspended. The Civil Constitution of the Clergy was also passed in order to limit the power of the clergy. In 1791, the National Assembly drew up the Constitution of 1791 and in September of 1792, a Republic was proclaimed. The next year, Louis XVI was executed along with his wife, Marie Antoinette. The period from 1793-1794, known as the Reign of Terror, was extremely violent and is remembered for the mass executions preformed at this time. As many as 40,000 people lost their lives and their heads to the guillotine, which became the symbol of the revolution. The Revolution ended in 1799 when Napoleon Bonaparte seized power in an army coup.
Influence of American Revolution
Part of the French financial trouble was due to them helping out the Americans in their own Revolution. This worsened the already bad economy. However, the American Revolution inspired the French. It was proof that a government could function without traditional power classes such as monarchy and nobility.
Personal Reflection: How My Research Added to My Understanding of the Book
My research helped my understanding because A Tale of Two Cities is historical fiction, meaning Dickens wrote about events that actually occurred in history. I had learned about the French Revolution in past years in history class so I was able to not only refresh but also add to my knowledge of the revolution. Reading about the violence contributed to my understanding because Dickens wrote about history but in a literary way. Instead of facts stating the numbers of executions followed by numerous dates, like in history, he was able to describe the guillotine as if it were a character possessing power. It was also helpful in understanding the roles of characters such as Monseigneur or Marquis because the social tension and hatred of the nobility by the peasants was one of the contributing factors that ultimately led to the Revolution.
The causes of the French Revolution were mainly internal, political, social, and ideological.
- struggle for social dominance
- paralysis and bankruptcy- result of conflict over reform of the tax system
- The Enlightenment or Age of Reason caused the strong need to reform
- hostility between the social classes
- an unsuccessful ruler: Louis XVI
- economic deprivation- Agrarian crisis
(Swartz)
The Revolution
By the time 1789 rolled around, the government was bankrupt due to Louis XVI's excessive spending. The storming of the Bastille, a French prison, on July 14, 1789 in Paris, France was a key event in the start of the revolution. Standing in the center of Paris, the Bastille stood for royal authority and even though at the time it was stormed there were only seven inmates, this action was one of rebellion. On august 4, 1789, the special privileges of nobility were abolished. This meant the three estates of the kingdom no longer existed, provinces were abolished, and parliaments were suspended. The Civil Constitution of the Clergy was also passed in order to limit the power of the clergy. In 1791, the National Assembly drew up the Constitution of 1791 and in September of 1792, a Republic was proclaimed. The next year, Louis XVI was executed along with his wife, Marie Antoinette. The period from 1793-1794, known as the Reign of Terror, was extremely violent and is remembered for the mass executions preformed at this time. As many as 40,000 people lost their lives and their heads to the guillotine, which became the symbol of the revolution. The Revolution ended in 1799 when Napoleon Bonaparte seized power in an army coup.
Influence of American Revolution
Part of the French financial trouble was due to them helping out the Americans in their own Revolution. This worsened the already bad economy. However, the American Revolution inspired the French. It was proof that a government could function without traditional power classes such as monarchy and nobility.
Personal Reflection: How My Research Added to My Understanding of the Book
My research helped my understanding because A Tale of Two Cities is historical fiction, meaning Dickens wrote about events that actually occurred in history. I had learned about the French Revolution in past years in history class so I was able to not only refresh but also add to my knowledge of the revolution. Reading about the violence contributed to my understanding because Dickens wrote about history but in a literary way. Instead of facts stating the numbers of executions followed by numerous dates, like in history, he was able to describe the guillotine as if it were a character possessing power. It was also helpful in understanding the roles of characters such as Monseigneur or Marquis because the social tension and hatred of the nobility by the peasants was one of the contributing factors that ultimately led to the Revolution.