French Revolution Dbq

The French Revolution was one of the most important historical events that occurred during the eighteenth century, developed since the first months of 1789 until the late 1790’s. This revolutionary movement drastically changed France from a Monarchy to a Republic, making Louis XVI one of the last kings of France, and Napoleon Bonaparte rise as a Republican leader. The enlightenment ideals where what triggered the general discontent among all citizens, making them want liberty, equality and fraternity. The French Revolution not only influenced its own country but it also influenced countries all around the world and in different time periods. The social classification was a general discontent among the population and a first factor to the

A period on which the common people liked to learn, read and educated themselves, hoping to elevate socially. The “Enlightenment” age, a movement which took place in the course of the 18th century was called the “Age of Reason” and dared common people to think for themselves and to have equality, to have a word and to have an opinion about things. About sovereignty, about religion, about taxes, about inalienable rights. French philosophers like Voltaire, Rousseau, Montesquieu and others publicated their thoughts on these ideas that encouraged everyone who read them to think differently. The monarchy saw the discontent of the people in general, and in ordered to keep them happy tried to make new rules. For example, have everyone pay taxes, no more exemptions for anyone. But these new rules weren’t enough to calm the general spirits. As the discontent grew, the King, in an effort to keep everyone happy, created an assembly made up of the three states mentioned before, but since France’s middle class population had grown considerably, they represented the majority and could outvote the other two states. The third state encouraged support for equal representation and abolishment of voting by status count and rather promote a vote by head

Many reasons triggered the people’s general discontent, over taxing, inequality, years of feudal oppression, and corruption which led to eagerness of rebellion. Politically speaking, the autocratic monarchy, excessive spending and poor administration. On the social aspect, common people became rebellious after learning their rights and feeling treated unequal. Economically, the country was left in bankruptcy after poor administration and useless wars. All this contributed to a French society that was eagering for revolt, catapulting the french to a downward economic spiral in the late 1700’s. The French revolution not only changed political, economic and social life but also changed the course of world history. Although the ideas of Philosophers promoted the creation of newer and more equitable forms of societies, the transition proved to be a violent and hard one. The impact of the French Revolution around the world created a wave of revolutions around the world in countries which claimed the same principals. Countries like Haiti, all South American colonies and Europe countries like Italy, Prussia, Austria and Germany fought for their rights just like France had done. Napoleon's reign over Europe helped spread the ideas of the French Revolution across this continent. Though his reign was short but intense, he left his country in