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The Most Advanced Country of Europe
France had a very large population, was the center of the Enlightenment, and their culture was followed all around the world. Yet, France did not look as it was, and was at great unrest. -
Sinking Into Debt
The government of France went into a great debt during the 1770's and 1780's. A very big part of the problem was Marie Antoinette and his husband Louis XVI. They were spending so much money, that they became a huge part of their country. Louis received so much money from previous kings and this money doubled the goverment's debt and in 1786 he was in a lot of trouble. -
Economy
France's economy was in decline in 1780. Merchants, factory owners, and bankers were alarmed. The cost of living was rising and there was really bad weather which caused the crops to fail. Many people faced starvation, since the cost of bread rised and they could not afford it. -
National Assembly
The delegated of the Third Estate voted to create the National Assembly to end the absolute monarchy and begin a representative government. This was the first act of the revolution. -
Louis's Solution
When Louie had no more money left, he stopped dealing with the emergency. The Second Estates forced him to make a meeting, because he wanted to impose taxes on the nobility, and it had to get approved by the assembly of representatives from the three estates. -
The Escape
Louis advisors warned him, and told him that his family and him was in danger because he considered being a monarch. In June 1791, Louis's family tried escaping from France to the Austrian Netherlands. As they reached the border, they were arrested and taken back to France. -
A New Constitution
The National Assembly created a new limited monarchy, and Louis approved in September of 1791. It created the Legislative Assembly. The Legislative Assembly had the power to approve and/or reject declarations of war and create laws, but at the same time, the king still had the power to enforce laws. -
The War
The summer of 1792, the Prussian forces were getting to Paris. This meant that the war was starting badly for France. They were being threatened by the Prussian commander. On August 10, the royal family's palace was invaded by 20,000 men and women, and they imprisoned Louis, Marie Antoinette, and all of their children. -
Still War
Holland, Great Britain and Spain got together with Prussia and Austria, which were going against France. They had to reinforce their army, so Jacobin leaders took a very big part in it. They ordered a draft of 300,000 French citizens and their army grew top 800,000 people, and also included women. -
The End
The National Convention was scared for their own safety, and because of that, they demanded Robspeirre's arrest and execution. They turned on him and the French Revolution ended on July 28, 1794.