Summary French revolutions
The French Revolution was a period of significant social and political upheaval in France that
lasted from 1789 to 1799. It was characterized by a growing discontent among the French
people with the absolute monarchy, the aristocracy, and the privileged classes, as well as
economic troubles and food shortages.
The Revolution began with the meeting of the Estates-General in 1789, which led to the
formation of the National Assembly and demands for a constitutional government that would
limit the power of the king. In 1792, the monarchy was overthrown, and the First French
Republic was established.
The Revolution took a more radical turn with the Reign of Terror, during which thousands of
people were executed by the revolutionary government, including many members of the
aristocracy. In 1799, the Revolution came to an end with the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte,
who became the first consul of France and later its emperor.
The French Revolution had a profound impact on France and the rest of Europe. It brought
an end to the absolute monarchy and feudalism in France and established the principles of
liberty, equality, and fraternity as central to modern democratic society. It also influenced
other revolutionary movements around the world and contributed to the rise of nationalism
and the modern nation-state.