The French Revolution of 1789
The French revolution of 1789 was a radical movement that influenced major changes in the social and political structure of France. The movement is designated the conventional term “revolution of 1789” because that is the year it climaxed, remained active through the 1790s, and ended in 1799. The term also serves to separate this groundbreaking movement from other events that came after, including the French revolutions of 1830 and 1848. In reality, the movement began long before 1789 only that the effects were not apparent until the peak in 1789.
What caused the revolutionary French Revolution of 1789?
The movement was influenced by an interplay of many different factors. Most of these factors were common to all other revolutions during the 18th century. However, there are a few specific causal factors that make it the most prominent and violent revolution in the history of revolutions. During this period, French citizens destroyed and redesigned the entire political landscape by razing dominant leadership institutions including the centuries-old monarchies, the feudal system, and took political power from the catholic church.
Before the revolution, French citizens were divided into three groups known as “estates.” The first and the most superior group comprised the clergy or the church leaders, the second estate comprised the nobles and the third estate included the commoners. The first and the second estates owned most of the land, lived in luxury, and were not taxed. The third estate comprised of poor citizens who were burdened with most of the taxes.
Years of oppression under the extravagant leadership style of Louis XVI and his predecessor had left the country’s economy in shambles and on the verge of bankruptcy. The period had been preceded by two years of poor harvests, drought, and suffering. The royal coffers depleted, cattle diseases became more rampant, and the price of bread skyrocketed. The commoners blamed their suffering on the present regime that imposed heavy taxes on them without providing any relief during such difficult times. The people responded through numerous riots, lootings, and strikes. On 14 July 1789, resolutioners stormed a prison called the Bastille.
Representatives from the third estate formed the National Assembly, demanded they be accorded certain rights, and later overpowered King Louis and took control of the country. The group later changed the name to Legislative Assembly and finally to the National Convention. However, the darkest period during the revolution was called the Reign of Terror which occurred between 1793 to 1794. During this period, the leader of the National Convention Robespierre influenced the passing of the “Terror laws” which stated that anyone suspected of opposition would be executed by guillotine. Thousands of people who tried to oppose his leadership were arrested and executed.
The revolution came to an end in 1799 with the death of Louis the XVI and his wife by guillotine. General Napoleon succeeded in overthrowing the revolutionary government and established the French Consulate and became the leader. Although the revolution was not completely successful in achieving its main goals resulting in chaotic and numerous deaths, it did play a fundamental role in influencing and shaping modern governments by showing that people hold power in will and unity.
Censer, J.R., 2019. Intellectual History and the Causes of the French Revolution. Journal of Social History, 52(3), pp.545-554.
Goodwin, A., 2016. The French Revolution. Routledge.
Stammers, T., 2017. The Coming of the French Revolution. CRC Press.

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