HISTORY CH-1 THE FRENCH REVOLUTION

The chapter on the French Revolution explains how a deeply unequal society in late 18th-century France led to one of the most important political transformations in history. French society was divided into three estates—the clergy, the nobility, and the common people—with the Third Estate bearing heavy taxes and having little political power. Economic crisis, rising food prices, and the influence of Enlightenment thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Voltaire fueled anger against the monarchy of Louis XVI. The revolution began in 1789 with events like the storming of the Bastille and led to the end of monarchy, establishment of a republic, and execution of the king. Radical phases under leaders like Maximilien Robespierre brought both reforms and violence. The revolution promoted ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity, and its impact spread beyond France, influencing democratic movements worldwide.