1789 - French Revolution

The year 1789 was the year when the French Revolution began, one of the most important turning points in world history. This revolution deeply affected not only France but the entire world, laying the foundations of modern democracy and bringing an end to absolute monarchies.

The French Revolution brought concepts such as equality, freedom and fraternity (Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité) to the fore, strengthened the concept of the nation state, popularized the idea of human rights and caused great changes in Europe.

Had this revolution not occurred, today's democracies, constitutional systems, and citizens' rights might have been vastly different.

So, why did the French Revolution break out, how did it develop and what impact did it have on the world?

Ellerinde bayraklar, meşaleler ve silahlar taşıyan öfkeli kalabalık: Çoğunlukla işçiler, köylüler ve burjuva sınıfından insanlar.
Bağımsızlık ve özgürlük talep eden pankartlar: "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité" (Özgürlük, Eşitlik, Kardeşlik) yazıları görülebilir.
Kadınlar ve erkekler birlikte barikatlar kuruyor: Devrimin en güçlü figürlerinden biri olan Marianne gibi kadın liderler ön planda olabilir.

Causes of the Revolution

There were more than one reason for the outbreak of the French Revolution. We can examine these reasons under three main headings: economic, social and political.

1. Economic Reasons

Towards the end of the century, France was in a major economic crisis.

The extravagant spending of King Louis XVI and the court had emptied the state treasury.
Support for the American War of Independence had further weakened the French economy.
The tax burden fell solely on the shoulders of the people (peasants and bourgeoisie) rather than the nobility and clergy.

Because of this, the people were becoming increasingly poor and were becoming increasingly angry with the tax system.

2. Social Reasons

In France, the people were divided into three classes (the system in effect: the "Triple Society Structure" or the "Triple Stratum System"):

First Class (Clergy - Religious Men)
Second Class (Nobles - Aristocrats)
Third Class (Bourgeois, Peasants and Workers)

While the First and Second Estates (clergy and nobles) did not pay taxes, the entire economic burden fell on the Third Estate. This created great inequality and injustice.

In particular, the bourgeoisie (middle class) were economically empowered but completely deprived of political rights, which led them to oppose the monarchy.

3. Political Reasons

France was governed by an absolute monarchy.

King Louis XVI held all the power and the people had no political say.
The nobility and clergy maintained their privileged positions and were opposed to change.
Enlightenment thinkers (Voltaire, Rousseau, Montesquieu) argued for equality, freedom and that the people should have a say in government.

These ideas accelerated the people's revolt against the king.

The Beginning of the Revolution

By 1789, France was poised for a major explosion.

Stage 1: 1789 - Convening of the General Assembly

King Louis XVI of France convened the “General Assembly” for the first time in many years to resolve the economic crisis. However, the Third Estate (bourgeois and peasants) did not receive equal representation in this meeting either.

Thereupon, the Third Estate established its own assembly, named it the "National Assembly", and declared that they had gathered to make a constitution.

Stage 2: Storming the Bastille (July 14, 1789)

The people rose up against political and economic oppression and attacked the Bastille Prison in Paris on July 14, 1789.

The Bastille was seen as a symbol of the crown's oppressive rule.
The people raided the prison, released the prisoners, and armed themselves.

This event is considered the official beginning of the French Revolution and is celebrated today as France's national day.

Stage 3: Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (August 26, 1789)

Following the revolution, the "Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen" was accepted by the French Revolutionaries.

This declaration was a major turning point in terms of democracy and human rights. It included the following basic principles:

All people are free and equal.
Everyone has equal rights before the law.
The people have the right to elect their own rulers.
Liberty, security and property are fundamental rights for everyone.

This declaration is considered one of the cornerstones of today's democracies.

Stage 4: Overthrow of the Monarchy and Execution of the King

As the revolution grew, the people wanted to abolish the monarchy completely.

In 1792, France was declared a Republic.
In 1793, King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette were executed by guillotine.
Thus ended the absolute monarchy and began the republican era in France.

Kalın taş duvarlı ve kuleleri olan bir hapishane: Fransız halkının monarşinin sembolü olarak gördüğü yer.
İsyancıların Bastille’i basması: Büyük bir kalabalık, kalın duvarları aşmaya ve içerideki mahkumları serbest bırakmaya çalışıyor olabilir.
Binalardan yükselen duman ve alevler: Şehirde devrim ateşinin yayılmasını simgeliyor olabilir.

Results of the French Revolution

The effects of the French Revolution were not limited to France but spread throughout the world.

1. The Weakening of Monarchies

Other absolute monarchies in Europe were also shaken.
Democratic reforms began in countries such as England and Spain.

2. The Emergence of Nation States

The feudal system was completely abolished.
The concept of the modern nation state has strengthened.

3. Spreading the Understanding of Human Rights and Democracy

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen spurred libertarian movements throughout the world.
The U.S. Constitution and the legal systems of other countries were influenced by these ideas.

4. The Rise of Napoleon

Following the revolution, civil war and chaos broke out in France.
Napoleon Bonaparte seized power in 1799 and established a new order.

Conclusion

The French Revolution is one of the greatest revolutions that gave birth to modern democracy.

If this revolution had not happened, today's concepts of freedom, equality and human rights might not be as strong as they are.

So, what would the world be like if the French Revolution had not happened? 🤔