Page 2: Economic and Political Causes

The economic crisis in France deepened due to poor harvests and rising food prices, while Louis XIV's excessive spending bankrupted the French economy. Political causes centered around absolute monarchy and unfair voting rights.

Highlight: The influence of both the American Revolution and Enlightenment thinking played crucial roles in inspiring revolutionary sentiment.

Definition: Absolute monarchy meant the ruler had total control, leaving people with no rights or representation.

The situation became so severe that it led to violent uprising, with people carrying heads on poles, demonstrating the extreme nature of the revolution.

Page 3: Revolutionary Influences

The revolution was fueled by multiple factors including severe economic problems and inspiration from the American Revolution.

Highlight: French participation in the American Revolution exposed many to ideas of liberty, equality, and freedom.

Example: Food shortages and government debt led to widespread hunger and outrage among peasants.

The National Assembly emerged as the first stage of the revolution, establishing new principles of governance.

Definition: The Declaration of the Rights of Man reflected Enlightenment ideals, stating that "men are born and remain free and equal in rights."

Page 4: Key Revolutionary Events

The Tennis Court Oath of June 20, 1789, marked a crucial turning point in the revolution. The Third Estate's formation of the National Assembly represented the first official act of the French Revolution.

Quote: "All men have Natural Rights, Government must protect Natural rights."

Highlight: The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, became a symbolic moment of revolutionary action.

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen established fundamental principles including:

• Natural rights for all men
• Equality under law
• Religious freedom
• Fair taxation based on ability to pay

Page 5: Constitutional Developments

The Constitution of 1791 established a limited constitutional monarchy, significantly reducing the king's powers. The Legislative Assembly gained authority to make laws and control war declarations.

Definition: The Legislative Assembly was the body responsible for creating laws and approving or preventing royal war declarations.

Vocabulary: Guillotine - A machine used for executions during the revolution.

The period saw radical reforms including:

• Elimination of nobility privileges
• Church reform and control
• Failed escape attempt by Louis XVI

Page 6: The Reign of Terror and Rise of Napoleon

The struggle for power after the rejection of absolute monarchy led to Maximilien Robespierre's dictatorship and the Reign of Terror.

Highlight: By July 1792, Robespierre's power became so absolute that no one was safe from persecution.

Definition: The Directory was a five-member executive body formed as part of the new government in 1795.

The period concluded with:

• Robespierre's execution
• Formation of a new government structure
• Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte as military leader

Page 6: Power Struggles and Robespierre

The post-monarchy period saw intense political struggles as France attempted to establish a democratic government. Maximilien Robespierre's rise and fall marked a crucial phase.

Highlight: By July 1792, Robespierre's Reign of Terror had created an atmosphere where no one was safe.

Definition: The Directory was a new government formed in 1795, consisting of a two-house legislative body and five-man executive.

Page 7: Napoleon's Rise and Achievements

Napoleon Bonaparte's ascension to power came amid post-Terror chaos. His reforms and achievements significantly shaped French society and administration.

Highlight: Napoleon's achievements included streamlining French law, establishing the Napoleonic Code, and stabilizing the economy.

Definition: The Concordat was Napoleon's peace agreement with the Catholic Church.

Example: Napoleon's reforms included establishing the Bank of France, public schools, and a centralized government.

Page 1: The Origins of the French Revolution

The French Revolution began as a response to deep-rooted social, economic, and political problems in France. The Estate General, representing all three estates, was called to address tax reforms, leading to the formation of the National Assembly by the Third Estate.

Definition: The Estate General was an assembly of representatives from all three estates (clergy, nobility, and commoners) convened to approve tax reforms.

Highlight: The Tennis Court Oath represented a crucial moment when the Third Estate formed an alliance and declared themselves the National Assembly.

Vocabulary: The Bourgeoisie refers to the educated middle class who were influenced by Enlightenment ideas.

The rigid class structure prevented social mobility, similar to other historical systems like:

Example: The caste system in India and feudalism in Europe.