Factors Leading To The French Revolution Essay - 1084 Words

â€Å"Man is born free, and everywhere he is shackled† 1 were the famous words of French Enlightenment thinker Jean Jacques Rousseau, but these simple words are also an example of the feelings and inevitable reality of most French people during the late eighteenth century. It was the writers, thinkers, and philosophers like Rousseau whose principles shaped the beginning of a monumental movement throughout Europe which eventually led to the French Revolution. The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason was a time in French history that is best characterized by â€Å"†¦ (The) trend that emphasized reason, individualism, and human rights as opposed to tradition.† 2 There are many factors, symbols and events besides the Enlightenment that†¦show more content†¦The first estate consisted of the clergy and accounted for less than 1% of the total population. The second estate was the nobility, a slightly larger group that provided military support and made up 1-2% of the population of France. Lastly, the third estate contained the remaining 97% of the population that were responsible for all goods and services. About 85% of the third estate consisted of peasantry, and less than 40% owned their land. The third estate was very dissatisfied by the fact that they embodied over 95% of the country, but were only represented as one vote in the Estates General. It was because of these unfair conditions that the third estate decided to break off and declare itself the National Assembly. The National Assembly was the group who swore the famous Tennis Court Oath: â€Å"Wherever we meet, there is the nation,†3 It was this group who became forerunners in the French Revolution. It was not until July 14th of 1789, when a mob of eighty thousand charged and seized the fortress Bastille, an old royal prison loaded with ammunition, and then carried the governor’s head on a pike, that the vulnerability of the monarch was truly exposed. Alon gside the hardships in government, France was undergoing a serious financial crisis. The economy was rural and agricultural, but had no national currency and operated under the mercantilist theory. The state was in its financial ruin mainlyShow MoreRelatedFinancial Factors Leading to the French Revolution Essay2853 Words   |  12 PagesIntroduction The French Revolution was nothing less than any revolution before or anyone after it: radical change in the institution that was known as the ordinary lifestyle. What began as a dispute between the people and the monarchy quickly turned into a violent and demandingly rapid movement to change the government that was more representative of the people of France. With many examples around them, the French people had many examples and inspiration that motivated them to revolt. The BritishRead MoreEssay about Exploring the Factors Leading to the French Revolution959 Words   |  4 PagesExploring the Factors Leading to the French Revolution The French Revolution began due to many different reasons. The French Revolution of 1789 had many long-range causes. Political, social, and economic conditions in France contributed to the discontent felt by many French people-especially those of the third estate. The bad harvest of 1788, the weakness of Louis XVI, the financial crisis of 1789, the ideas of the enlightenment, the failure to bring in reform and alsoRead MoreThe French Revolution And The American Revolution1592 Words   |  7 PagesThe French Revolution is often recognized as one of the most significant events in French history. The revolution was caused by a series of events leading to uproar from the French people demanding change. The main factors causing the french revolution are: debt from previous wars leading to the financial crisis, resentment of the nobility, influence of enlightenment ideas, a series of bad harvests and a weak monarch. These issues, along with the increased desire for equality among the french peopleRead MoreThe French Revolution And The American Revolution1254 Words   |  6 PagesThe French Revolution was an influential period of social and political upheaval in France that lasted from 1789 until 1799, and was partially carried forward by Napoleon during the later expansion of the French Empire. The Revolution overthrew the monarchy, established a republic, experienced violent periods o f political turmoil, and finally culminated in a dictatorship by Napoleon that rapidly brought many of its principles to Western Europe and beyond. Inspired by liberal and radical ideas, theRead MoreEnlightenment and the French Revolution1227 Words   |  5 PagesName Subject Professor Date Enlightenment Influence on Political, Social and Cultural Policies of French Revolutionary Period. The age of enlightenment led by influential intellectuals during the 18th century Europe greatly inspired the French citizens, especially the peasants, leading to the revolutionary period culminating from 1789 to 1799. The enlightenment is hailed as the foundation of today’s western political and intellectual culture.1 Growth of liberal democracies and democraciesRead MoreThe French Revolution During The 19th Century Essay1481 Words   |  6 PagesDuring the beginning of history there have been major political, economic, cultural and social revolutions. The people wanted change and brought about revolt against their government. The revolution instigated the act of liberty and equality for all people and generated fair living standards and/or social classes and treatment. This prompted expansions of political forces including but not limited to the democracy and nationalism. Questioning the authority of kings, priests and nobles it providedRead MoreReasons For The Fr ench Revolution1339 Words   |  6 PagesThere were many causes that led to the French Revolution. Class, money, and philosophes were three major factors that contributed to the French Revolution. The most important cause was money. These factors resulted in Louis The Sixteenth and Marie Antoinette being executed, and the reign of Napoleon to begin. Class conflicts are a huge component of the French Revolution. The French Revolution began as a result of the lack of the people’s happiness over how they were told to live their lives. ThereRead MoreEssay on French Revolution and the Creation of the National Assembly 792 Words   |  4 PagesThe French Revolution and the creation of the National Assembly Introduction The French Revolution was a critical era in the history of France and Europe that radically transformed the social and political aspects of the nation from the ancient monarchy system of government and feudal system, to the introduction of democracy. The French people drew their motivation from the American people who had already achieved the democratic institutions. As such, the Enlightenment age compelled individuals toRead More French Revolution Essay1141 Words   |  5 Pages Why was there a French Revolution? Between, 1789  ¡V 1799, many events occurred in France that caused an outbreak within the people thus leading to a revolution. This culminated in the France becoming a democratic government. This essay will argue that the resentment of absolute government, financial difficulties, the famine, rise of philosophes and the ongoing feud between the estates are all the major causes of why there was a revolution in France. Firstly before going into the topic, the wordRead MoreThe American Revolution And The French Revolution1673 Words   |  7 PagesThe American Revolution and the French Revolution marked a change in history for both nations. The American Revolution led to freedom and also their rise to power as their own nation. However the French Revolution marked a change in their government for the worse. Both nations fought to remove the corruption of the monarchy. With the same general idea both nations sought to better themselves. Though both were revolutions one nation really captured what they were fighting for. The war did not officially