The French Revolution for AP World History

Nov 18, 2023

8 min read

The French Revolution came not long after the American Revolution. Learn about the similarities and differences between the American and French Revolutions in these Google Slides.

The French Revolution

Louis XVI

Louis XVI, the last reigning monarch of France before the French Revolution, faced a tumultuous period in the late 18th century. Ascending to the throne in 1774, Louis XVI inherited a kingdom burdened by financial troubles exacerbated by the costly involvement in the American Revolution. His reign was marked by economic challenges, a rigid social structure, and a mounting sense of discontent among the French populace. Louis XVI’s attempts to address the financial crisis, including convening the Estates-General in 1789, inadvertently led to the outbreak of the French Revolution. The king’s indecisiveness and reluctance to embrace necessary reforms further eroded his popularity. In 1791, as revolutionary fervor intensified, Louis XVI attempted to escape France but was captured and returned to Paris. His reign came to a dramatic end with his execution by guillotine on January 21, 1793, marking a pivotal moment in the radical transformation of France from a monarchy to a republic. Louis XVI’s reign is often remembered as a period of royal mismanagement and, ultimately, as a catalyst for revolutionary upheaval in France.

The Estates-General

The Estates-General was a representative assembly in pre-revolutionary France, consisting of representatives from three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and the common people. Established in the medieval period, the Estates-General played a limited role in advising the monarch on matters such as taxation. However, its sessions were infrequent, and its power was overshadowed by the authority of the monarch. The convocation of the Estates-General in 1789 by King Louis XVI proved to be a pivotal moment leading to the French Revolution. Faced with a severe financial crisis, Louis XVI sought to address the issue by involving representatives from all three estates. However, the representation disparities and the resistance to change within the traditional structure led to a deadlock. The commoners, feeling underrepresented, broke away, forming the National Assembly and eventually initiating revolutionary actions. The Estates-General thus set in motion a chain of events that would transform the political landscape of France and contribute to the end of the monarchy.

The National Assembly

The National Assembly was a revolutionary political body that emerged during the early stages of the French Revolution. Formed in 1789, the National Assembly was created by representatives of the Third Estate, which comprised the common people, who felt underrepresented in the traditional Estates-General. Frustrated by the inequality and the reluctance of the clergy and nobility to address pressing issues, the representatives of the Third Estate declared themselves the legitimate government and established the National Assembly at the Tennis Court Oath on June 20, 1789. This marked a pivotal shift in the power dynamics of France, as the National Assembly asserted its authority in opposition to the absolute monarchy. The National Assembly went on to adopt key revolutionary measures, including the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, asserting the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. This revolutionary body played a central role in the dismantling of the old order and the creation of a more democratic and egalitarian political system in France.

Declaration of the Rights of Man

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, adopted by the National Assembly of France on August 26, 1789, stands as a foundational document of the French Revolution. Reflecting the Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, the declaration articulated the inherent and inalienable rights of all individuals. It asserted that these rights, including liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression, were universal and applied to all citizens. The declaration underscored the equality of citizens before the law and emphasized the concept that government authority derived from the will of the people. Influenced by the writings of Enlightenment thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and John Locke, the Declaration of the Rights of Man became a symbol of the revolutionary aspirations for a just and democratic society. Its principles laid the groundwork for constitutional and legal reforms in France, reflecting a transformative moment in the pursuit of individual rights and the establishment of a more inclusive political order.

The French Constitution of 1791

The French Constitution of 1791 was a crucial document during the early years of the French Revolution. It transformed France from an absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy. The constitution emphasized principles like individual rights, the separation of powers, and popular sovereignty. It replaced the Estates-General with the Legislative Assembly, a new representative body with the authority to make laws. The king became a constitutional monarch with limited powers, while elected representatives held significant influence. Despite facing challenges and being eventually suspended, the constitution left a lasting impact on French governance, influencing the development of democratic principles in the country.

Marie Antoinette

Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France during the late 18th century, found herself entangled in the tumultuous events of the French Revolution. As the wife of Louis XVI, she faced increasing hostility from revolutionary forces who viewed her as a symbol of royal excess and extravagance. Following the fall of the monarchy in 1792, Marie Antoinette and her family were imprisoned.

Marie Antoinette was also a member of the Habsburg family. Her brother, Joseph II, was the Holy Roman Emperor. In 1792, Austria and Prussia, both parts of the Holy Roman Empire, formed a coalition and declared war on revolutionary France. The intentions included not only stopping the revolution but also restoring the French monarchy. This external intervention, known as the War of the First Coalition, aimed to counteract the radical changes brought about by the revolution. However, the invasion did not succeed in restoring the monarchy, and Marie Antoinette’s fate was sealed. She faced trial and was ultimately executed by guillotine in October 1793, marking a significant turning point in the French Revolution and symbolizing the end of the old monarchical order.

The French Constitution of 1793

The French Constitution of 1793, enacted during the French Revolution, was a radical shift in governance. The National Convention, a new ruling body, played a key role in its creation. Adopted in 1793, it abolished the monarchy and declared France a republic. The constitution aimed for a more democratic system, emphasizing popular sovereignty and social equality. However, the ensuing period was marked by conflict and political upheaval, leading to the suspension of the constitution during the Reign of Terror. Despite its short-lived implementation, the Constitution of 1793 significantly influenced French political thought and the development of democratic ideals.

The Jacobins

The Jacobins were a prominent political club during the French Revolution, advocating for republicanism and equality. Led by figures like Maximilien Robespierre, they played a key role in radicalizing the revolution, pushing for measures like the execution of King Louis XVI and the establishment of the Committee of Public Safety. However, their extreme methods, particularly during the Reign of Terror, led to internal conflicts and their eventual downfall in the Thermidorian Reaction of 1794. Despite their brief dominance, the Jacobins significantly influenced the revolutionary course and the development of republican ideals in France.

The Committee of Public Safety

The Committee of Public Safety was a powerful governing body during the French Revolution, established in April 1793. Comprised of twelve members, it held broad executive and wartime powers, with Maximilien Robespierre emerging as a prominent figure within its ranks. Formed in response to internal and external threats facing the young French Republic, the Committee played a central role in consolidating revolutionary authority and implementing policies to safeguard the Republic. It was responsible for the execution of King Louis XVI, the Reign of Terror, and efforts to suppress counter-revolutionary activities. While the Committee initially aimed to protect the revolution, its radical methods and widespread executions ultimately led to internal dissent. The Committee’s influence waned after the fall of Robespierre in July 1794, marking the end of the Reign of Terror and a shift in the direction of the French Revolution.

The Reign of Terror

The Reign of Terror in France, lasting from 1793 to 1794, was a dark and tumultuous period during the French Revolution. Marked by political extremism, radical measures, and widespread violence, the Reign of Terror was orchestrated by the Committee of Public Safety led by Maximilien Robespierre. The primary aim was to eliminate perceived enemies of the revolution and to safeguard the Republic from internal and external threats. The Committee wielded unprecedented power, instituting mass executions through the use of the guillotine, which became a symbol of the era. The Law of Suspects allowed for the arrest and trial of anyone suspected of counter-revolutionary activities. Thousands faced swift and often arbitrary justice, including prominent figures like Marie Antoinette and Robespierre himself. The atmosphere of fear and suspicion prevailed, as citizens turned on one another, and political dissent was met with severe consequences. The Reign of Terror came to an abrupt end with the fall of Robespierre in July 1794, as public sentiment turned against the extreme measures. While initially aimed at securing the ideals of the revolution, the Reign of Terror stands as a stark example of the dangers of unchecked power and the descent into brutality in the pursuit of political ideals.

The Thermidorian Convention

The Thermidorian Convention was a pivotal assembly during the French Revolution that emerged after the fall of Maximilien Robespierre in July 1794. Comprising more moderate revolutionaries, it sought to distance itself from the radicalism of the Reign of Terror. The convention implemented measures to stabilize the political situation, including the arrest of leading Jacobins and the drafting of a new constitution in 1795. The Thermidorian era aimed for a more moderate and stable governance, setting the stage for the establishment of the Directory.

The French Constitution of 1795

The French Constitution of 1795, also known as the Constitution of the Year III, emerged as a response to the tumultuous events of the French Revolution and the subsequent fall of the radical Jacobin regime. Adopted during the Thermidorian Reaction, it marked a move towards more moderate governance. Instituted by the Thermidorian Convention, this constitution established a system known as the Directory, characterized by a bicameral legislature and an executive branch consisting of five Directors. The Constitution of 1795 aimed to strike a balance between stability and representation, reflecting a desire to move away from the radicalism and political violence of the preceding years. However, the Directory faced numerous challenges, including economic difficulties and internal dissent. Ultimately, its shortcomings contributed to further political upheaval, paving the way for the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte and the establishment of the Consulate in 1799, marking a new phase in French history.

The American and French Revolutions

The American and French Revolutions were significant events that unfolded during the late 18th century, both driven by a desire for independence and a rejection of monarchical rule. While there were similarities in their aspirations for liberty and self-governance, the revolutions also differed in their causes, contexts, and outcomes.

Similarities

Desire for Independence: Both revolutions were sparked by a shared desire for independence from what was perceived as oppressive rule. In the American case, the colonists sought freedom from British imperial control, while the French sought liberation from the absolutist monarchy.

Influence of Enlightenment Ideas: Enlightenment ideals such as individual rights, representative government, and the pursuit of happiness influenced both revolutions. Thinkers like John Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau inspired the revolutionary leaders in articulating their grievances and aspirations.

Social Inequality and Unrest: Both societies experienced social inequality and economic hardship, contributing to widespread discontent. The lower classes played a significant role in the revolutions, seeking political and social change.

Differences

Causes and Context: The American Revolution was primarily a colonial struggle against British colonial policies and perceived taxation without representation. In contrast, the French Revolution was more complex, arising from economic hardships, social inequality, and the political and financial crisis of the monarchy.

Nature of Revolutions: The American Revolution aimed to preserve existing rights and institutions rather than to create an entirely new system. The result was the establishment of a democratic republic with a relatively stable political structure. The French Revolution, on the other hand, was more radical, leading to the overthrow of the monarchy, the Reign of Terror, and the rise of radical political factions.

Role of Class: Class played a distinct role in each revolution. The American Revolution involved tensions between the American colonies and the British crown, with class divisions less pronounced. In contrast, the French Revolution had a strong element of class struggle, with the bourgeoisie, peasants, and urban workers actively participating and sometimes conflicting in pursuit of their interests.

Outcomes: The American Revolution resulted in the creation of the United States with a federal system of government and a constitutional republic. In contrast, the French Revolution witnessed more radical changes, including the establishment of the First French Republic, the Reign of Terror, and ultimately the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor.