The French Revolution: Before, During, and After

The French Revolution: Before, During, and After

Events

Event 1: Reign of Terror. The reign of terror began in spring 1793. Robespierre was the head of the Committee of Public Safety and if anyone seemed threatening to the revolutionary vibe, he eliminated them. He did this by chopping off their heads with the help of a device called the guillotine.

Event 2: Christianity is Abolished. Robespierre obviously knew what he was doing in the Reign of Terror was wrong. Therefore he felt threatened by the do-gooder christians. Instead of chopping off all of their heads (probably because it was near impossible) he decided to abolish Christianity altogether. Christians were now the "enemies."

Event 3: Committee for Public Safety. When French citizens started to turn their back on the French Revolution and head over to Austria, the French military members knew they had to do something. Thus the Committee for Public Safety was created. The leaders here had extreme political power that they definitely abused when the spirit of the Revolution got to their heads.

Effects

Causes

Cause 1: The Enlightenment. The Enlightenment made the people happy and inspired them to start thinking individually. This individualistic thinking caused the French to think about power only for themselves.

Cause 2: The American Revolution. The American revolution made a statement that was recognized in every country. The French decided that was a pretty good idea and so they attempted to mimic it.

Cause 3: Formation of the Estates General. The Estates General was separated by the first, second and third estate; the third being the lowest class. The Third Estate was denied any power and caused an uproar amongst them. They reacted with the French Revolution.

Effect 1: Rise and Rule of Napoleon. Even if the revolution was over, Napoleon went on. Napoleon lived the spirit of the French Revolution every day of his life. His power was already extreme, however he wanted more. This desire to rule eventually got him captured and sent to die at a house in St. Helena which is now a museum belonging to the French.

Effect 2: Bastille Day. On July 14, 1789, a mob of very angry Parisian people stormed into the Bastille and freed many prisoners. They did so to show the king that they hated so much that they have the power to do what they want. This event marked the official beginning of the French Revolution and today is celebrated in France just like we celebrate the Fourth of July.

Effect 3: Bad relationship with Other European Countries. During the French Revolution, France went into war with many other European countries - mostly the result of Napoleon. Pretty much all of these countries got all there land back and signed a peace treaty with France. But we all know, that didn't exactly mean the other countries completely forgave France. Even to this day there are most likely still people in the other countries that still don't like the French.