French Revolution was an event which caused a lot of turmoil and metamorphosis. But the degree and level of change, the amount of success in achieving its goals and the inordinate price paid for the same often bring it under controversy. The first blueprint of the changes it intended to bring was the The Declaration of Rights of Man and of Citizen. The promising document brought a shift from absolute monarchy to constitutional one. The Divine Right of the King was replaced by popular sovereignty, the society of orders was abolished to give way to civil equality in terms of laws and taxes and the criteria of privileges by birth was replaced by merit and talent. Though these ideas of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity became permanently impressed on the French society, their practical realization and penetration varied in time and space. As far as ideological goals are concerned, the revolution had served the purpose by 1790. What followed was a great experiment in an open laboratory. Many historians, such as David Sutherland consider the extension of the Revolution beyond 1790 as protracted period of conflict, division and bloodshed. …show more content…
In 1798 Ireland was stirred by uprisings against Britain by 'United Irishmen', who were sympathetic to French revolution. A Republic was proclaimed, and slogans of ‘Liberty, Equality, Fraternity’ were painted on walls. However, the uprising was mercilessly and brutally suppressed. Similarly in Poland, after partition in 1793 between Russia, Prussia and Austria, nationalist rebellion in 1794 temporarily succeeded under the leadership of Kosciusko. Most notable is the strain placed on the Spanish and Portuguese empires by the costs of war with France, combined with the revolutionary message of national self-determination and rights, which instigated independence movements in Latin America in first two decades of 19th