"The French Revolution [...] began with the Estates General of 1789, and ended with the formation of the French Consulate in November 1799."
A period of radical social and political upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799, which had a profound impact on the development of human rights.
Old Regime: The social, political, and economic structure of France before the revolution, which was characterized by the privileges of the nobility and clergy, and the oppression of the peasantry.
Enlightenment: The intellectual movement that emphasized reason, science, and individualism, which contributed to the development of revolutionary ideas about human rights and political power.
The Estates General: The assembly of representatives from the three social classes of France: The clergy, the nobility, and the third estate - which was called by King Louis XVI in 1789 to address the country's financial crisis and political instability.
The National Assembly: The revolutionary assembly formed by the representatives of the third estate, who declared themselves the sole legitimate governing body of France, and drafted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, which became a cornerstone of human rights.
The Storming of the Bastille: The popular uprising in Paris on July 14, 1789, where the people stormed the Bastille prison, which represented the tyranny of the Old Regime, and seized its weapons and ammunition.
Reign of Terror: A period of radical violence and terror that swept France from 1793 to 1794, during which tens of thousands of people, including many innocent civilians, were executed by the revolutionary government, led by Maximilien Robespierre.
Women's Rights: The feminist movement emerged during the French Revolution, and demanded equal rights and citizenship for women, and although they were initially excluded from the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, they played a crucial role in advancing human rights in France.
Napoleon Bonaparte: The military general who rose to power during the Revolutionary Wars, and became the authoritarian ruler of France, who established the Napoleonic Code, which codified many of the revolutionary reforms, including legal equality and religious toleration.
Legacy of the French Revolution: The far-reaching impact of the French Revolution on the modern world, including democracy, human rights, nationalism, and the spread of revolutionary ideals and movements.
Political Revolution: The political revolution refers to the changes that took place in the political system of France during the French Revolution. It led to the establishment of a new form of government, as the French monarchy was overthrown, and monarchy was replaced by a republic.
Social Revolution: The French Revolution can also be seen as a social revolution, as it brought about significant changes in the French society. The social revolution transformed the way people lived, interacted with each other, and even their outlook on life.
Economic Revolution: The economic revolution of the French Revolution brought significant changes in the country's economic system. It led to the breakdown of the feudal system and the rise of capitalism.
Cultural Revolution: The French Revolution also brought about a cultural revolution, as it led to significant changes in French culture. It impacted French literature, music, and arts, and led to the development of new forms of expression.
Human Rights Revolution: The French Revolution can also be seen as a human rights revolution, as it brought about significant changes in the way people perceived human rights. It led to the establishment of a new legal system that recognized the individual's rights and freedoms, and laid the foundations for modern democracy.
"Many of its ideas are considered fundamental principles of liberal democracy."
"Its causes are generally agreed to be a combination of social, political and economic factors."
"In May 1789, widespread social distress led to the convocation of the Estates General."
"Continuing unrest culminated in the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July."
"...the abolition of feudalism, the imposition of state control over the Catholic Church in France, and extension of the right to vote."
"Austria, Britain, Prussia and other external powers sought to restore the Ancien Régime by force."
"Many French politicians saw war as the best way to unite the nation and preserve the revolution by exporting it to other countries."
"Following the Paris-based Insurrection of 31 May – 2 June 1793, the constitution was suspended and effective political power passed from the National Convention to the more radical Committee of Public Safety."
"An estimated 16,000 'counter-revolutionaries' were executed during the subsequent Reign of Terror."
"The Reign of Terror [...] ended with the so-called Thermidorian Reaction in July 1794."
"Weakened by a combination of external threats and internal opposition, in November 1795 the Republic was replaced by the Directory."
"The Consulate seized power in a military coup led by Napoleon Bonaparte."
"This is generally seen as marking the end of the Revolutionary period."
"The next three years were dominated by the struggle for political control, exacerbated by economic depression and civil disorder."
"The French Revolutionary Wars in April 1792, abolition of the French monarchy."
"...followed by the execution of Louis XVI in January 1793."
"Following the Paris-based Insurrection of 31 May – 2 June 1793, the constitution was suspended and effective political power passed from the National Convention to the more radical Committee of Public Safety."
"[...] the values and institutions it created remain central to French political discourse."
"...the abolition of feudalism, the imposition of state control over the Catholic Church in France, and extension of the right to vote."