The goals of the French Revolution were to write a constitution, end absolute rule, protect individual rights and end the class system.
What is French Revolution?
French Revolution, also called the Revolution of 1789 was a revolutionary movement that took place in France between 1787 and 1799. Its first climax was in 1789, hence the Revolution is called the Revolution of 1789. It sought to completely change the relationship between the rulers and those they governed and redefine political power's nature.
Causes of the French Revolution
The causes can be narrowed to four major factors.
- Social – The social conditions in France in the late 18th century were extremely unequal and exploitative. The clergy and the nobility formed the first two Estates and were the most privileged classes in French society. They were exempt from payment of taxes to the State. On the other hand, the Third Estate which consisted of peasants and workers formed the majority of the population. They were burdened with excessive taxes with no political and social rights. As a result, they were extremely discontent.
- Economic – As a result of numerous wars waged by Louis XVI the State coffers were empty. The situation was made even more complex by France’s involvement in the American War of Independence and the faulty system of taxation. While the privileged classes were excused from paying taxes the Third Estate was more and more burdened with them.
- Political – The Bourbon king of France, Louis XVI was an extremely autocratic and weak-willed king who led a life of obscene luxury. This led to a lot of disenchantment among the masses who then were leading life of extreme poverty and widespread hunger.
- Intellectual – The 18th century was marked by a conscious refusal by French thinkers of the ‘Divine Rights Theory’. Philosophers like Rousseau rejected the paradigm of absolute monarchy and promulgated the doctrine of equality of man and sovereignty of people. They played a pivotal role in exposing the fault lines of the old political system, i.e. the ancien regime, and articulating the popular discontent.
Goals of the French Revolution
The Bourbon monarchy was abolished in 1792 and replaced with the Republican form of government. France became a multiparty state as a result of the Revolution. The French Revolution introduced a rule of law. Before 1789, France had no constitution to safeguard people's rights and freedom. The constitution separated the executive, the judiciary, and the legislature. The French Revolution destroyed the social discriminative class system in France and declared equality for all. This led to the rise of the middle class who had acquired education to positions of responsibility and it led to the revival of the parliament which was abandoned for over 175 years. The revolution gave France a functional parliament with representatives who are democratically elected.
Impact of the French Revolution
The French Revolution changed modern history forever and many nations took inspiration from the ideologies it gave birth to. The suppressive monarchies were being challenged everywhere by the people. The ideas of liberty and equality spread all around the world over the years through the French armies.
So, The goals of the French Revolution were to write a constitution, end absolute rule, protect individual rights and end the class system.
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