The French Revolution, also referred to as the Revolution of 1789, was a revolutionary movement that shook France between 1787 and 1799, reaching a crescendo in 1789. The name "Revolution of 1789" refers to this event because it marked the end of France's ancien régime and separated it from the later French revolutions of 1830 and 1848.
The French Revolution was by far the most violent and globally significant of all revolutions in the Western world towards the end of the 18th century because it featured both universal and specific traits. The Western social structure was the first of the general causes.
In other regions of Europe, the feudal system had already vanished or was on the decline. In nations where it did not yet exist, the bourgeoisie, a burgeoning and opulent class of wealthy commoners—merchants, manufacturers, and professionals—aspired to political power. The majority of landowners among the peasants had improved their standard of life and education, and they wished to see the end of feudalism so that they might have complete ownership rights and the opportunity to increase their holdings.
Additionally, since roughly 1730, increasing living standards have led to a marked decline in adult death rates. The population of Europe doubled between 1715 and 1800 as a result of this and other circumstances, an unparalleled rise. France, the most populous nation in Europe in 1789 with 26 million residents, saw the worst effects of the issue.
Food and consumer items were in greater demand as the population increased. Around 1730, new gold mines were found in Brazil, and as a result, prices in the West increased, signalling a booming economy. This development slowed after 1770, and the frequency of economic crises increased, sparking fear and even unrest. Social change arguments started to develop.
The philosophes (intellectuals whose publications served as the basis for these arguments) were influenced by 17th-century thinkers like René Descartes, Benedict de Spinoza, and John Locke, but they arrived at very different conclusions about political, social, and economic matters. To put the ideals of Montesquieu, Voltaire, or Jean-Jacques Rousseau into practice, a revolution was necessary.
Through the numerous "societies of thought" that were established at the time, including masonic lodges, agricultural societies, and reading rooms, the Enlightenment was disseminated among the educated classes.
The French Revolution and its politics
Whether a revolution would have taken place in the absence of a political crisis is unknown. In order to collect money for the expensive wars of the 18th century, European kings began taxing the clergy and aristocracy, who had previously enjoyed exemptions in the majority of nations. The rulers disguised themselves as "enlightened despots," defending their position by referencing the logic of eminent philosophers. Europe's affluent estates, diets, and bodies responded rapidly.
The North American Revolution, which got its start when people refused to pay a tax imposed by the British king, was ignited by this reaction. The aristocracy's reaction was to be subdued by the monarchs, and both the ruling and privileged classes looked to the nonprivileged bourgeois and peasants for support.
Although there is still some scholarly disagreement over the specific causes of the revolution, the following elements are frequently brought up:
(1) The bourgeoisie felt left out of positions of honour and political power;
(2) The situation was well known to the peasants, who were becoming more and more hesitant to uphold the archaic and oppressive feudal system.
(3) More people in France than anywhere else have read the philosophes.
(4) French involvement in the Revolution had brought the government dangerously close to bankruptcy.
(5) France was the most populated nation in Europe.
In February 1787, Charles-Alexandre de Calonne, the controller general of France's finances, called a meeting of "notables" (prelates, great noblemen, and a few members of the bourgeoisie) to discuss reforms intended to reduce the budget deficit by raising taxes on the privileged classes. The Estates-General, which included clergy, aristocracy, and the Third Estate (commoners), had not met since 1614. The assembly advocated calling a meeting of the Estates-General but refused to take responsibility for the reforms.
The so-called "aristocratic bodies" uprising, which included the parlements (the highest courts of justice), whose authority had been curtailed by the edict of May 1788, was ignited by Calonne's successors' attempts to impose fiscal measures in the face of resistance from the privileged classes.
Conclusion
Paris, Grenoble, Dijon, Toulouse, Pau, and Rennes all experienced turbulence during the spring and summer of 1788. Louis XVI, the monarch, was made to capitulate. He reappointed Jacques Necker, a reform-minded finance minister, and declared he would call the Estates-General on May 5, 1789. In actuality, he also gave the press freedom, which led to a flood of pamphlets in France calling for the state to be reinstated. Because of the bad 1788 harvest, there was more agitation during the Estates-General elections, which were held between January and April 1789. Voting was nearly completely unrestricted, and participants wrote out their frustrations and aspirations on cahiers de doléances. 300 members of the aristocracy, 300 clergy, and 600 members of the Third Estate were chosen.
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