Bonjour les citoyens ! Bienvenue de la Révolution française.
France, like many countries in the 1700s, was under a monarchy. King Louis XVI held absolute power. Society was divided into three estates: the first with the most influence, followed by the second, and the third, which comprised the majority of the population. It was a hierarchical system.
However, France was facing financial collapse. Louis XVI sought more money from the Estates-General, an assembly representing the three estates. The third estate, burdened with taxes, refused the king’s proposal. They formed their own National Assembly at the tennis court, known as the Tennis Court Oath, demanding a fairer distribution of power and rights. The other estates eventually joined them.
In 1788, poor harvests led to inflation, and the common people decided to rebel against their unfair treatment. The summer of that year saw widespread chaos and uprisings. On August 4th, the estates were abolished, emphasizing the call for equality. A march ensued, compelling the king and his family to leave their palace in Versailles for Paris, preventing any potential rebellion.
In 1791, the royal family attempted to flee to Austria but was captured. Austria threatened France, leading to France declaring war first. Louis XVI was eventually executed for treason, symbolizing the end of the monarchy.
The Reign of Terror followed, led by Maximilien Robespierre. Accusations ran rampant, and even minor offenses were punishable by death. This period highlighted the darker side of revolution, illustrating how power in the wrong hands can lead to chaos and injustice.
On July 28, 1794, Robespierre himself faced the guillotine, marking the end of the Reign of Terror. The Year III Constitution established the Directory of France, a new governing body. Napoleon Bonaparte emerged as a prominent figure, leading France to victories in Italy from 1796 to 1797. His rise ultimately led to his crowning as Emperor in 1804, shaping European politics for years to come.
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