GROUP PRESENTATION

LECTURER -IN-CHARGE: DR.S.A BELLO

COURSE CODE:EST 201

PRESENTATION: FRENCH REVOLUTION

GROUP MEMBERS AND THEIR MATRIC NUMBER

OLUMO GBEMISOLA ESTHER:234841

JOSEPH FAVOUR CHIAMAKA: 234840

USMAN VERA OLUWANIFEMI:234854

ADEMOKOYA ENIOLUWA BERACAH:234837

AKINSULORE MORENIKE SARAH:237666

OLADOKUN SAMUEL PEACE:237330

ALABI DORCAS OLUWATIMILEYIN:234848

AKINWALE AISHAT OYINKANSOLA:234862

French Revolution (1789-1799)

A revolution is a fundamental and significant change that occurs in a

relatively short period of time, often involving a shift in power, social
structures, or governance. It can refer to political revolutions, where a
government or political system is overthrown, but it can also apply to
broader societal changes, technological advancements, or ideological shifts.
The term is often associated with movements that challenge and change the
status quo.

The French Revolution (1789–1799) was a period of profound social, political,

and economic upheaval in France that led to the overthrow of the monarchy,
the rise of radical political groups, and the establishment of the First French
Republic. It began with the financial crisis and widespread discontent among
the population, particularly the Third Estate, which included peasants, urban
workers, and the bourgeoisie.

Key events include the storming of the Bastille, the Reign of Terror, and the
rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. The revolution led to the abolition of feudal
privileges, the execution of King Louis XVI, and significant changes in French
society and government, laying the groundwork for modern democracies and
inspiring subsequent revolutions around the world.

Prior to the Revolution, king Louis XVI was coronated as the king of France in
1774 at the age of 20 he had no experience or whatsoever on how to rule a
nation.

At age 16 In 1770, to cement an alliance between France and Austria, Louis

married Marie-Antoinette, the daughter of Austrian empress Maria-Theresa
and Holy Roman Emperor Francis I.
The French and Indian War was the North American conflict in a larger
imperial war between Great Britain and France known as the Seven Years’
War. The French and Indian War began in 1754 and ended with the Treaty of
Paris in 1763.

The war had a huge economic impact on France, it made their state of
economy even poorer and weaker. The feudal regime had been weakened
step-by-step and had already disappeared in parts of Europe. The
increasingly numerous and prosperous elite of wealthy commoners—
merchants, manufacturers, and professionals, often called the bourgeoisie—
aspired to political power in those countries where it did not already possess
it. The peasants, many of whom owned land, had attained an improved
standard of living and education and wanted to get rid of the last vestiges of
feudalism so as to acquire the full rights of landowners and to be free to
increase their holdings.

As a result of this, the rulers decided to enforce more taxes on the 3 rd estate.

What’s an Estate?

France has always had the social structure cleared distinguished which are:

The first estate was the clergy;

The second estate, the nobility, and the third estate the commoners

The three estates in pre-revolutionary France were:

1. First Estate: The clergy, including high-ranking church officials and

local priests. They enjoyed significant privileges, including exemptions
from many taxes and a substantial influence in social and political
matters.

2. Second Estate: The nobility, which included both the nobility of the
sword (traditional hereditary aristocrats) and the nobility of the robe
(those who had purchased or inherited judicial offices). They also had
privileges such as tax exemptions and exclusive access to high
government and military positions.
 3. Third Estate: The commoners, encompassing a wide range of social
classes, including peasants, city workers, and the bourgeoisie (middle
class). They were the only estate required to pay taxes and had the
least political power, despite being the largest and most diverse group
in French society. Their grievances about taxation and lack of
representation were central to the revolutionary movement.

King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette made several decisions that
contributed to the turmoil leading up to the French Revolution:

Economic Mismanagement: Their failure to address France’s mounting debt

and economic crisis exacerbated public dissatisfaction. Their inability to
implement effective financial reforms led to increased taxation and unrest.

He also made an unwise decision of funding America during the civil war with
Britain.

2. Resistance to Reform: Louis XVI hesitated to support meaningful reforms

suggested by Enlightenment thinkers and reformist ministers. His reluctance
to address the grievances of the Third Estate and the call for a more
equitable tax system further fueled discontent.

4. **Marie Antoinette’s Extravagance: Marie Antoinette’s lavish lifestyle

and spending on luxuries, such as the construction of the Petit Trianon,
were perceived as a stark contrast to the economic hardships faced by
ordinary French citizens, earning her the epithet “Madame Deficit.”

5. Failure to Engage with the Estates-General: Louis XVI’s decision to call

the Estates-General in 1789 without addressing its demands or making
concessions led to the radicalization of the Third Estate and the
eventual formation of the National Assembly.
These decisions, combined with the broader socio-economic issues of the
time, significantly contributed to the revolutionary climate and the eventual
downfall of the monarchy.

All of these led to the people rioting and the call for:

The Estates General Meeting which hasn’t been held in 175 years prior to
that.

Yet again during the meeting the third estates were not given a fair chance
to express themselves

Estates-General Meeting and Subsequent Events:

1. May 5, 1789 Estates-General Convened**: King Louis XVI summoned

the Estates-General, a representative assembly, to address France’s
financial crisis. It was the first meeting of the Estates-General since
1614.

2. **June 17, 1789** - **Formation of the National Assembly**: The Third

Estate, representing commoners, proclaimed itself the National
Assembly, asserting its role as the legitimate government body due to
its representative nature and dissatisfaction with the other estates.

3. **June 20, 1789** - **Tennis Court Oath**: Members of the National

Assembly, locked out of their meeting room, gathered at a nearby
tennis court and swore not to disband until they had drafted a new
constitution for France.

4. July 14, 1789- **Storming of the Bastille*: In a symbolic act of defiance

against the monarchy and its perceived tyranny, Parisians stormed the
 Bastille prison, a key symbol of royal authority. This event marked the
beginning of widespread popular support for revolutionary change.

5. August 4, 1789- Abolition of Feudal Privileges: The National Assembly,

in response to revolutionary pressures, abolished feudal privileges,
including tithes and other dues owed by peasants to the nobility.

6. August 26, 1789- Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen**:
The Assembly adopted this document, proclaiming fundamental rights
and principles such as liberty, equality, and fraternity.

7. October 5-6, 1789 – Women’s March on Versailles: Thousands of

women, angry over bread shortages and high prices, marched to
Versailles and forced King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette to
move to Paris, symbolizing the shift of power from the monarchy to the
revolutionary government.

These events set the stage for the radical phase of the French Revolution,
leading to the eventual fall of the monarchy and the rise of revolutionary
France.

The French Revolution was a watershed event in world history that began
in 1789 and ended in the late 1790s with the ascent of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The main causes of the French revolution which eventually led to the
revolution which started in 1789 and ended in the late 1790s,rooted in a
combination of social inequality, political corruption and Enlightenment ideas

The Rise of Bourgeoisie

The bourgeoisie were the rich people of the Third Estate who began to
become persuasive in the years prompting the insurgency. They developed
into another rank with their own plan and political desire. The bourgeoisie
loathed the place of the First and the second Estate, which they accepted
was gotten from their endeavors. Also, they sought to achieve political
balance with the other two domains. The longing of the bourgeoisie to free
themselves of medieval and regal infringements on their own freedom,
business possibilities, and responsibility was one reason which prompted the
French Revolution.

Social Inequality in France due to the Estate system.

During the 1780s, the number of inhabitants in France was around 24 million
and 700 thousand and it was partitioned into three homes. The First Estate
was the Roman Catholic ministry, which numbered around 100,000. The
Second Estate has comprised the French respectability, which numbered
around 400,000. Every other person in France; including shippers, legal
counselors, workers, and laborers; had a place with the Third Estate, which
contained around 98% of the French populace. The Third Estate was avoided
from places of high standing and political power; and was peered downward
on by different bequests. It was subsequently infuriated and, despised its
situation in French society. This prompted them to meet up to send off the
French Revolution in 1789.

Tax Burden on Third Estate

The First Estate in France, or the ministry, possessed 10% of the land
however it involved under 0.5% of the populace. It was exceptionally well off
and settled no charges. It had many honors, including the assortment of
offerings. Tithes were one-10th of yearly produce or income taken as an
assessment for the help of the Church. The Second Estate, or the aristocrats,
possessed around 25% of the land. They were excluded from covering many
assessments and were permitted to gather levy from workers. Interestingly,
the Third Estate had to pay weighty assessments while the other two were
excluded. This troubled the Third Estate prompting they’re scrutinizing this
vile Estates System and intend to remove it.

Financial Crisis of 1780s

The Financial Crisis of the 1780s was a period of economic turmoil that
began with the bankruptcy of the French East India Company in 1785. This
led to a sharp increase in the price of bread, which sparked riots in Paris and
other cities. The financial crisis deepened when King Louis XVI attempted to
enact austerity measures, including raising taxes and reducing government
spending. This led to further unrest, and ultimately the storming of the
Bastille and the start of the French Revolution.
 Other Causes of French Revolution

By the end of the 18th century, Europe had undergone a profound intellectual
and cultural shift known as the enlightment. Philosophers and artists
promoted reasons and human freedom over religion and traditions.

The rise of the middle class and printed materials encourage political
awareness.

The cathology and the nobles, the middle class and the third class men as
well as over Twenty million people had fallen with less power and they were
the only one who paid taxes not just to the king but to the nobles as well.

In bad harvest years taxation will leave them stranded with nothing while the
king and nobles lived lavishly under extracted wealth.

King Louis appointed a finance minister Jacques Necker, who pushed for tax
reforms and one public support by openly publishing government finances.
But the king advisers strongly opposed his initiatives desperate for a solution
on the king called the meeting of the ESTATES GENERAL an Assembly of
representatives.

For the 1st time in 175 years the commoners are to attend the meeting.
Although the third Estates represented 98% of the French population.

After the meeting the commoners are not favored so they broke up with the
Estate and called themselves the National Assembly and pledged to draft a
new constitution with or without the other Estates.

King Louis dismissed the Finance minister his popular financed minister in
response thousands of outraged provisions joined with sympathetic soldiers
to stone the Bastille prison a symbol of the oppressive monarchy by this time
the revolution has began. Many nobles fled abroad begging for a ruler to
invade France and restore order. While Louis remained as the figure head
constitution monarchy he feared for his future. In 1791 he tried to flee the
country but he was caught and his royal family was arrested.

After the trial the king was publicly beheaded signifying the end of 1000yrs
of monarch. Finalizing the September 21th 1792 FIRST FRENCH REPUBLIC
which mark the new era in French history which was governed by the
“Liberté Égalité and Fraternité” which means Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
which is the motto of France adopted during the French revolution
Liberté: Represent the freedom of individuals from oppression and absolute
power

Égalité: Equal right and opportunities for all citizens

Fraternité: Signifies the sense of brotherhood and unity among citizens

In conclusion: The French Revolution was the result of the complex

interaction of social inequality and political mismanagement, the monarchy’s
inability led to the widespread frustration, which eventually ignite the
revolution that reshaped France.

The French Revolution, which took place from 1789 to 1799, had several
positive effects that influenced not only France but also the world. Here are
some of the key positive impacts/advantages:

1. **End of Feudalism**: The Revolution abolished the feudal system in

France, ending centuries of aristocratic privilege and feudal dues. This
allowed for more equality among citizens and the possibility for social
mobility.

2. **Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen**: This

fundamental document, adopted during the Revolution, established
key principles such as liberty, equality, and fraternity. It became a
cornerstone for modern human rights and democratic ideals globally.

3. **Establishment of Republicanism**: The Revolution led to the

establishment of the French Republic, moving away from absolute
monarchy. This shift towards republicanism inspired democratic
movements worldwide and promoted the idea that sovereignty belongs
to the people.

4. **Legal Reforms**: The Revolution resulted in significant legal changes,

including the Napoleonic Code. This legal code standardized laws
across France and became a model for legal systems in many other
countries.
 5. **Secularism**: The Revolution promoted the separation of church and
state, reducing the power of the Catholic Church in political matters.
This secular approach laid the groundwork for modern secular states.

6. **Spread of Enlightenment Ideas**: The Revolution helped spread

Enlightenment ideas such as individual rights, rationality, and the
importance of education. These ideas influenced political and social
reforms across Europe and the Americas.

7. **Nationalism**: The Revolution fostered a sense of national identity

and pride among the French people. This sense of nationalism spread
to other countries, leading to the unification of nations like Germany
and Italy.

8. **Social Reforms**: The Revolution brought about various social

reforms, including improved education systems, the abolition of slavery
in French colonies, and the promotion of meritocracy over birthright in
government and military positions.

Overall, the French Revolution had a profound and lasting impact on the
development of modern democratic societies and the spread of progressive
social and political ideals.

One significant negative effect of the French Revolution was the Reign of
Terror (1793-1794), a period of extreme violence and repression. Here are
some details:

1. *Mass Executions*: Over 16,000 people were guillotined or shot,

including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, aristocrats,
politicians, and common citizens accused of counter-revolutionary
activities.
2. *Arbitrary Arrests*: Thousands were arrested without trial or evidence,
often based on false accusations or denunciations.

3. *Terror and Fear*: The Reign of Terror created a climate of fear, as

people lived in constant dread of arrest, torture, and execution.

4. *Economic Devastation*: The Reign of Terror disrupted trade, industry,

and agriculture, leading to food shortages, inflation, and economic
collapse.

5. *Radicalization and Dictatorship*: The Reign of Terror paved the way

for Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to power and the establishment of a
dictatorship that lasted for over a decade.

6. *Social and Cultural Destruction*: The Reign of Terror destroyed social

and cultural institutions, such as the nobility, the Church, and
traditional customs, leading to a loss of cultural heritage and social
cohesion.

7. *Loss of revolutionary ideals: The Reign of Terror betrayed the original

principles of the French Revolution, such as liberty, equality.
During the French Revolution one of the negative effects which is The
Reign of Terror, was a dark period in French history. It highlighted the
dangers of unchecked power, ideological extremism, and violence.

*Result of the French Revolution*

The French Revolution, was a complex and multifaceted event that had
far-reaching consequences for France, Europe, and the world. Here is a
detailed conclusion and result of the French Revolution:
*Immediate Results:*

1. *Establishment of the First French Republic*: The Revolution led to

the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the First
French Republic in 1792.
2. *Execution of King Louis XVI*: King Louis XVI was guillotined in 1793,
marking the end of the absolute monarchy.
3. *Reign of Terror*: The Revolution also led to the Reign of Terror
(1793-1794), a period of violence and repression during which
thousands were executed.
4. *Rise of Napoleon*: The Revolution paved the way for the rise of
Napoleon Bonaparte, who seized power in 1799 and became Emperor
of France.

*Long-term Consequences:*

1. *End of Feudalism*: The Revolution marked the end of feudalism in

France, leading to the emergence of a more modern, capitalist
economy.
2. *Rise of Liberalism*: The Revolution’s emphasis on liberty, equality,
and fraternity helped spread liberal ideas throughout Europe.
3. *Nationalism*: The Revolution sparked a wave of nationalism across
Europe, as other countries sought to emulate France’s example.
4. *Modernization of France*: The Revolution led to significant
modernization efforts in France, including the establishment of a new
system of government, law, and education.
5. *Inspiration for Future Revolutions*: The French Revolution inspired
future revolutions and movements for democracy and human rights
around the world.

*Social and Cultural Impact:*

1. *Emergence of a New Middle Class*: The Revolution helped create a

new middle class in France, as the bourgeoisie rose to prominence.
2. *Changes in Family and Social Structures*: The Revolution led to
changes in family and social structures, including the emergence of
more egalitarian relationships.
3. *Growth of Urban Centers*: The Revolution contributed to the
growth of urban centers, as people moved from rural areas to cities.
4. *Development of New Artistic and Cultural Movements*: The
Revolution inspired new artistic and cultural movements, including
Romanticism and Realism.

Overall, the French Revolution was a complex and multifaceted event

that had far-reaching consequences for France, Europe, and the world.
Its impact can still be felt today, and it remains one of the most
significant events in modern history.