The French Revolution was a consequence of the Enlightenment. During the 18th century philosphes provided fertile ground for the Revolutions slogan, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, paving the way for the biggest social, political explosion in European History. France was broke as a result of its support for America in their revolutionary war. The French populace (the 3rd Estate/primarily peasants) suffered for years at the hand of an absolutist monarch (Louis XVI) that was out of touch with reality. France was a ticking time bomb that exploded as the French Revolution. The French Revolution transformed the nature of sovereignty and law in France. The French Revolution started as municipal revolts in cities throughout France and would ultimately transform into a bloody struggle called the Reign of Terror. The Thermodorian Reaction ended this bloody episode and paved the way for Napoleon Bonaparte.
During the 1780’s France was on the verge of bankruptcy. Three prominent controller-generals who represented different approaches to France’s problems were unable to fix the fiscal crisis. In 1787 the Assembly of Notables met for two years trying to find a solution but, to no avail. On May 5th, 1789 the Estates General convened after a 150 year absence. The Estates General was represented by the 1st Estate(Nobility) , 2nd Estate(Clergy) and the 3rd Estate(everybody else) The 3rd Estate represented 90% of Frances population and were represented by the bourgeoisie(middle class). After much debate the 3rd Estate defiantly left and convened the first revolutionary government in an Athletic Club and called itself the National Assembly.
On July 14th, 1789 peasants stormed the Bastille (symbol of Bourbon Power) officially starting the French Revolution. Between June and early August 1789 peasants ravaged clergy/nobility alike, destroying public records. It was called the Great Fear and spread throughout the countryside. On August 4th a decree was signed by...