French Revolution Dbq

A revolution is a complete overthrow of the government. The French Revolution, lasting ten years, was exactly that. The French Revolution was the time for the lower classes to fight back against their unfair government and against the higher classes. The Third Estate, made up of the peasants, the bourgeoisie, and the urban poor were fed up with the way they were treated, resorting to not only political arguments, but also physical violence. There were political, social, and economic causes, that each had enormous effects. The French Revolution was also a turning point in French, European, and World History. The political discontent in France was mainly because the rulers believed in absolutism. They believed that they had divine

France went from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy then to a committee called the Directory after the execution of Robespierre. Robespierre was a radical who led the Jacobins. He was mainly responsible for the Reign of Terror and the Jacobins controlled phase two of the revolution. Although they were responsible for the extreme use of the guillotine and deaths of about 40,000 people, many reforms were made by Jacobins. Because of the revolution, political parties were formed and a sense of patriotism and nationalism emerged. The bourgeoisie emerged as a major political force in France and absolutism and feudalism were officially overthrown. The major problem with the price of bread was also fixed and food was rationed. Slavery was abolished, following the theme of equal rights. Other reforms made by the Jacobins included a universal draft, banned titles of citizens, set up social security, mandatory elementary schools, religious toleration, more rights for women, change of fashion, and a new calendar and festivals. The effects of the French Revolution changed the way France was run and also the lives of middle and lower