A Comparison of the French Revolutions of 1789 and 1848
1. Introduction
The French Revolution of 1789 was one of the most important events in the history of France. It ended the absolute monarchy of Louis XVI and led to the creation of a constitutional monarchy and a representative government. The revolution also had a significant impact on the French economy, society, and culture.
The French Revolution of 1848 was another major event in French history. It began as a series of protests against the policies of King Louis-Philippe, but quickly escalated into a full-scale revolution that toppled the monarchy and established the Second Republic. The revolution also resulted in significant economic, social, and political changes in France.
This paper will attempt to compare the two revolutions, focusing on their causes as well as the impacts associated with their occurrences.
2. The French Revolution of 1789
2.1 Causes of the Revolution
There were several factors that contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789. Firstly, there was a great deal of social unrest in France at this time. The country was undergoing a period of economic recession, which had led to high unemployment and inflation. This caused great financial hardship for many people, particularly those in the lower classes. Additionally, France’s system of taxation was very unfair; the poorest people paid a disproportionate amount of taxes while the wealthy paid very little.
Secondly, there was a lot of political unrest in France during this period. The absolute monarchy of Louis XVI had been increasingly unpopular in recent years, as it was seen as outdated and autocratic. In addition, many people were frustrated with the lack of political representation in France; at this time, only nobility and clergy could vote, while the majority of the population was excluded from the political process.
Thirdly, there were a number of intellectual and philosophical movements that were critical of the existing political order in France. The Enlightenment thinkers argued for more reason and individual liberty, while Rousseau’s ideas about democracy and popular sovereignty were also influential. These ideas inspired many people to call for reform or even revolution.
fourth factor that contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution was an event that occurred in late 1788 known as the “Great Fear”. This was a period of panic and violence that spread across much of France; it was caused by rumours that peasants were going to rebel and attack Paris. This led to a number of riots and attacks on aristocratic estates by peasants who were fearful for their safety.
2. 2 The course of the Revolution
The French Revolution began on July 14th, 1789 when a group of Parisians stormed the Bastille, a fortress used by the monarchy to house political prisoners. This act symbolized the rebel lion against Louis XVI’s autocratic rule. Following this event, there were a number o f major milestones in the progress of the revolution:
In August 1789, representatives from all social classes met at an assembly known as the Estates-General; this wasthe first time that commoners had been represented in over 150 years. At this meeting, they approvedthe DeclarationoftheRightsOfManandOfTheCitizen, which guaranteed equality beforethelawandbasic rights such as freedomofspeechandfreedomofreligion.
In October 1789, a group of women from Paris marched to Versailles to demand bread for their families; this event became known as the “Women’s March on Versailles”. The women were successful in their mission and Louis XVI was forced to move to Paris, where he was placed under virtual house arrest.
In 1791, a new constitution was approved which established a constitutional monarchy in France. This meant that Louis XVI still had power, but his authority was now limited by the constitution and he had to share power with an elected legislature.
In 1792, war broke out between France and a number of other European countries who were opposed to the revolution. This led to domestic unrest as well, and in September 1792 a group of radicals known as the “Jacobins” took control of the government.
In January 1793, Louis XVI was put on trial for treason and executed by guillotine. Following this event, the Jacobins launched a series of “Reign of Terror”, which was a period of political violence in which thousands of people were executed or imprisoned.
In 1794, the Jacobins were overthrown by a group of moderates known as the “Girondins”. The Reign of Terror came to an end and a new constitution was established which created a directory, a group of five men who held executive power.
In 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte staged a coup d’état and seized power from the directory. He declared himself “First Consul” and established a consulate, a new system of government with three consuls who shared executive power. In 1804, Napoleon declared himself Emperor of the French Empire.
2. 3 The consequence of the Revolution
The French Revolution had a number of significant impacts on France and the world. Firstly, it resulted in a number of political changes. The absolute monarchy was overthrown and replaced by a constitutional monarchy; this system lasted until 1848 when another revolution occurred. In addition, the revolution resulted in the establishment of a representative government; this system is still in place in France today.
Secondly, the French Revolution resulted in significant economic changes. One of the most important changes was the abolition of feudalism; this resulted in an increase in agricultural production as peasants were now able to own their own land. Additionally, the revolution resulted in the development of new transportation and communication systems; this made trade easier and helped to spur economic growth.
Thirdly, the French Revolution had a significant impact on French society. One of the most important changes was the increase in social mobility; this was caused by the abolition of feudalism as well as the development of new transportation and communication systems. Additionally, the revolution resulted in an increase in education levels; this was due to Napoleon’s introduction of mandatory education for all children between the ages of 6 and 13.
Finally, the French Revolution had a significant impact on French culture. One of the most important changes was the rise of nationalism; this was caused by Napoleon’s promotion of French culture and language as well as his military victories against other European countries. Additionally, the revolution resulted in a number of changes to art and architecture; this was due to Napoleon’s implementation of classical style throughout France.
3. The French Revolution of 1848
3.1 Causes of the Revolution
There were several factors that contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution of 1848. Firstly, there was a great deal of social and economic unrest in France at this time. The country was still recovering from the economic recession of the 1840s, which had led to high unemployment and inflation. This caused great financial hardship for many people, particularly those in the lower classes. Additionally, France’s system of taxation was still very unfair; the poorest people paid a disproportionate amount of taxes while the wealthy paid very little.
Secondly, there was a lot of political unrest in France during this period. King Louis-Philippe was increasingly unpopular, as he was seen as a symbol of the old order. In addition, many people were frustrated with the lack of political representation in France; at this time, only men who owned property could vote, while the majority of the population was excluded from the political process.
Thirdly, there were a number of intellectual and philosophical movements that were critical of the existing political order in France. The socialists argued for more equality and social justice, while the radicals called for a complete overthrow of the government. These ideas inspired many people to call for reform or even revolution.
3. 2 The course of the Revolution
The French Revolution of 1848 began on February 24th when a group of protesters in Paris staged an uprising against King Louis-Philippe. This act sparked a series of protests and riots across the country; eventually, Louis-Philippe was forced to flee France and a new government was established known as the “Second Republic”. This government lasted for less than two years before it was replaced by Napoleon III’s “Second Empire” following a coup d’état in December 1851.
3. 3 The consequence of the Revolution
The French Revolution of 1848 had a number of significant impacts on France and the world. Firstly, it resulted in a number of political changes. The constitutional monarchy was overthrown and replaced by the Second Republic; this system lasted for less than two years before it was replaced by Napoleon III’s “Second Empire”. In addition, the revolution resulted in the establishment of universal male suffrage; this meant that all men over the age of 21 could vote, regardless of whether or not they owned property.
Secondly, the French Revolution resulted in significant economic changes. One of the most important changes was the introduction of tariffs on imported goods; this helped to protect French industry from foreign competition. Additionally, the revolution resulted in an increase in government spending on infrastructure projects; this helped to spur economic growth and create jobs.
Thirdly, the French Revolution had a significant impact on French society. One of the most important changes was the increase in social mobility; this was caused by the abolition of feudalism as well as the development of new transportation and communication systems. Additionally, the revolution resulted in an increase in education levels; this was due to Napoleon III’s introduction of mandatory education for all children between the ages of 6 and 13.
Finally, the French Revolution had a significant impact on French culture. One of the most important changes was the rise of nationalism; this was caused by Napoleon III’s