The French Revolution began in 1789, and it was one of the most significant events in world history, fundamentally altering the course of France and the larger European political landscape. This revolution was primarily driven by social inequality, financial crises, and widespread dissatisfaction with the monarchy's rule under King Louis XVI.
Key Events:
- 1789 - Storming of the Bastille:
The Revolution gained momentum on July 14, 1789, when the people of Paris stormed the Bastille, a symbol of royal tyranny. This event is now celebrated annually as France’s National Day.
- Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen:
In August 1789, the National Assembly, representing the common people, adopted the "Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen," a document asserting individual freedoms and the rights of citizens.
- End of Absolute Monarchy:
The Revolution led to the abolition of the absolute monarchy. In 1792, the monarchy was formally abolished, and King Louis XVI was executed in 179
3.
- Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte:
The power vacuum created by the Revolution eventually led to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, who declared himself Emperor in 1804, bringing an end to the Revolutionary period but spreading its ideas across Europe.
Thus, the French Revolution, which began in 1789, marked the end of the ancien régime and led to the rise of modern democratic ideals.