Phases of the French Revolution

Phases of the French Revolution

The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in French and European history. It lasted from 1789 to 1799. There were many phases of the French Revolution such as, The estates general, National Assembly, limited monarchy, the first french republic, directory, and the Napoleonic era phase. The Estates General was the first phase which lasted from (1788-1789) and they only met under unique circumstances, there elections and meetings only took place during times of economic crisis. Around this time there was an influx of unemployed peasants into the cities of France especially Paris and by continued inflation prices were rising at twice the rate of wages. The Estates - general were viewed as champions of fundamental government reform. The second phase was The National Assembly which lasted from 1789-1791. France was converted into a national assembly through a series of reforms. Under the national assembly Feudal privelages were abolished and a new representative was elected (not democratic) It’s most famous piece of legislation was the Declaration of man and citizen it was roughly the equivalent of the American Bill Of Rights, this meant that all males citizens were able to vote fore representatives that make the law, they also had freedom of speech now, and the equality of all men in the eyes of the law. Limited monarchy was the third phase that lasted from 1791-1792 this was a monarchy in which the powers of the rulers are limited to those granted under the laws of the nation and constitution, this move allowed louse XVI to maintain control of the country. The constitution also succeeded in the elimination of the nobility as a legal order and struck down monopolies and guilds. The fourth phase was The First French Republic was founded by the newly established convention and lasted from 1792-1795, almost overnight france transformed itself into a political system largely modeled on the American Constitution and Bill of Rights. The fifth phase was the Directory which lasted from (1795-1799) The Convention drew up this new Constitution and executive powers were held by five directors and the rule of the Directory was marked by corruption, financial difficulties, political purges, and a fateful dependence on the army to maintain control. In 1799 Napoleon Bonaparte came back from Egypt and overthrew the Directory. The last phase was the Napoleonic Era which lasted from 1799-1815, Napoleon (Corsican Officer) was called upon to help the Directory, he cleared the demonstrators from the streets with canon. Napoleon got appointed as Chief Executive Office Of France he exploited this to gain power. Napoleon called upon all Frenchmen regardless of what class, background, and previous political activities to support him and help him unite the country. Napoleon succeeded in taking over France because Napoleon showed up in a time that France was in turmoil, poverty, and corruption. Napoleon is granted as Emperor , and wins many military victories. He came up with the Napoleonic code which increased legal equality, established jury systems and legalized divorce. In conclusion, the French Revolution played an important role in establishing democratic institutions such as elections, representative government, and constituents. The French revolution had an extraordinary influence on the making of the modern world.