What occurred during the French Revolution?
Quick Answer
During the French Revolution, France saw the end of the monarchy ruling the country and worked towards fair representation for the working classes. During this time, peasants rioted, looted and protested, and a new government was formed.
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Towards the end of the 18th century, the French monarchy began to run out of money due to its involvement in the American Revolution, so it imposed a land tax on most of the population. This alienated the nobility from the monarchy. At the same time, the Third Estate, which was France's most underrepresented class, grew until it accounted for 98 percent of the population. Eventually, the Third Estate began to demand a vote, and when it wasn't granted, they formed their own national assembly.
During June and July 1989, revolutionaries stormed the Bastille in Paris to claim weapons and began rioting on the streets. Although the French were happy to see a decline in royal powers, they did initially try to form a constitutional monarchy in 1791. In 1792, a rise in counterrevolutionary ideals eventually led to the execution of King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette. In 1793, the 10-month Reign of Terror saw suspected counterrevolutionaries executed in their thousands. Eventually, Robespierre, who delivered most of the execution orders, was also executed. In 1795, Napoleon's rise to power saw a gradual end to the French Revolution.
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Q:
Why did the French Revolution fail?
A: The French Revolution of 1789, while based on the ever-growing popular Enlightenment ideals put forth by philosophers such as Descartes, Voltaire, and Dide... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
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What led to the French Revolution?
A: The massive debt of the French state, the resistance of the nobility and clergy toward any tax increases, the growth of Enlightenment philosophy, and a ris... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
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How long did the French Revolution last?
A: The French Revolution lasted roughly 10 years, beginning in 1789 and ending in 1799. The revolution came about because of resentment of the privileges of t... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
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When was the French Revolution?
A: The French Revolution occurred from 1789 to 1799. It was a 10-year period of social and political unrest that affected the course of modern government fore... Full Answer >Filed Under:
