The French Revolution

A decade of upheaval that ended absolute monarchy in France and spread ideas of citizenship and rights across Europe.

Background

France faced a severe fiscal crisis after expensive wars, while an unequal system of privilege left most of the tax burden on the Third Estate. Poor harvests raised the price of bread, and Enlightenment writers had popularised arguments about reason, rights and government by consent.

Course of events

The Estates-General met in 1789 and the Third Estate declared itself a National Assembly. The Bastille was stormed on 14 July, and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen followed in August. The monarchy was abolished in 1792, Louis XVI was executed in 1793, and the Reign of Terror followed. The period ended with Napoleon Bonaparte's seizure of power in 1799.

Legacy

The revolution abolished feudal privileges and established the principle of equality before the law. Its wars and reforms reshaped Europe, and its slogans of liberty and equality have inspired and divided political movements ever since.