The French Revolution Essay -- European Europe History

The French Revolution The French Revolution is one of the major revolutions in European history. The revolution marks a turning point in French history and in world history in general. Forms of government, morals, ideologies, and social development were greatly affected by this event in all Europe and even in the United States. The beginning of the French Revolution is generally dated from June, 1789. However, the crisis in political and economic affairs in France in that period was so great that social unrest, rioting, and rebellion were common for two years before. The end of the revolutionary period was marked by the establishment of the Empire by Napolean in 1804. The basic causes of the French Revolution were rooted in the rigidities of French society in the 18th century. Lines of distinction between classes were tightly drawn, and opportunites for social advancement were very few. The economy was not growing as fast as it should have been. Then needs of an increasing population were not being met. Governmet was inefficient and unrepresentative. Economic problems made the heavy tax exempt but neary so, while the peasents and middle classes were subjected to greater and greater burdens. Crops falied, and trade was stagnant. The people could no longer be taxed, but the government faced bankruptcy unless new revenues were found. The only soulution was to tax the privileged classes. But they were jealoous of their privileged posistion. Altought they were not completely unwilling to contribute some additional taxes, they never understood how grave the economis crisis was. They say the crises as only some form of financial corruption that could be explained away by firing the king's finac... ...tion of his enemies and was rampant, war was at the doorstep, and bread riots were common. The tide turned in another direction, and a stronger executive power in the form of the Dierctory (1795-1799) was set up. A five-man committe ruled the country. Meanwhile, Napolean was making his name famous by his military success. Napoleon allied with two directors in the Directory and with his btoher Lucien, who was president of the Council of Five Hundred, and assembly under the Directory. On Nov. 9, 1799, in the Coup d'Etat de Brumaire he overthrewthe government. A form of government modeled on the old Roman type was established. Napoleon was elected first consul for ten years. By 1804 Napolean assumed the title of emperor, and absoulute monarachy was revied. Bibliography Microsoft Encarta, 1997 Sucdus Som Sibro Universal World Reference Enclopedia