THE REIGN OF TERROR IN FRANCE

THE REIGN OF TERROR IN FRANCE

1. Definitions of revolution

   • a revolution is a dramatic change which requires mass support
   • types of revolutions: social, political and economic
   • 1789 beginning of the French Revolution

2. 18th century Europe

   • most european countries run by kings or emperors
   • absolute monarchies- beleived they had the divine right
   • all governments autocratic except Britain
   • Hierachy- 3 estates

3. Causes of the revolution

   • Louis not a good leader
   • financial difficulties- French monarch was broke
   • need for tax reform- middle class taxed. caused uporar
   • population divided into 3 states
   • France sent troops to America, introduction to revolutionary ideas
   • age of enlightenment

4. the moderate phase

   • political change
     • creation of the national assembly 1789
       • Robespierre leader
   • evidence that revolution would become more radical
   • 1789 storming of the bastille and versailles
   • France became constitutional monarchy
   • declaration of the rights of the man 1789
   • Tennis Court oath 1788, meeting of the estates called

5. the radical phase

   • war with Austria
   • Louis flees country- commits treason
   • Louis and Marie A send letters to Austria
   • NA decides counter-revs will be guillotined

6. reign of terror

   • started 1793 after the execution of louis xvi and ended 1794
   • louis accused of treason
   • political enemies against the jacobins

7. the impact of the terror

   • France no longer a like country
   • failed to achieve Robespierre's aims
   • death, mass casualties
   • destroyed the estates
   • defeated counter revolutionary threat