Question

In detail, what are the (Negative and/or positive) lasting effects of the French revolution?

Answer 1

Positive impact:
1. Destruction of social classes:
The French revolution destroyed the social discriminative class system in France and declared equality for all. The revolution came up with the equality and career open to talents, i.e., appointment and promotion was to based on talents and ability. This led to rise of middle class who had acquired education to positions of responsibilities.


2. The rise of Napoleon Bonaparte:
The French revolution contributed to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte to power without which he would have died a common man. It destroyed the congregative class system and opened opportunity to talent peasants like Napoleon. All the army generals were swept away during the reign of terror giving chance to Napoleon to rise to power in France.

3. Declaration of rights of man:
The fret revolution led to the declaration of rights of man and citizens. The constitutional assembly / parliament came out with the document of human rights. It granted political liberty, like freedom of speech, press, association, worship and ownership of property. Although they were abused during the reign of terror, they became foundation of freedom.

4. Revolutionary ideas:
The revolution gave birth to the revolutionary ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity. These ideas started in France and got spread to other areas like Italy, German, etc. such ideas promoted equality, freedom and democracy and good governance. This made France to be a nursery bed of democracy in Europe.

5. Ended the rule of Bourbon Monarch.
The Bourbon monarch that had ruled France for over 400 years came to end by the French revolution. The monarchy rule was abolished in 1792 and replaced it with the Republican form of Government. Although the Bourbon monarch was restored by the great powers after the downfall of Napoleon, it could not survive beyond 1830 because the monarchs were already weakened by the changes caused by the French revolution.

6. Rise of political parties:
France became a multiparty state as a result of the 1789 French revolution. The freedom of association led to the rise of political clubs such as the Jacobins, cordilliers, Giirondin Fauvillants that competed for power. These parties kept the government under check and balance by criticizing bad policies.
However, these political parties caused reign of terror in France.

Negative impact

1. Loss of lives and property:
There was massive loss of lives and destruction of property most especially during the reign of terror. There were heavy massacres of nobles, clergy and other important people like King Louis, Marie Antoinette, Murato, Danton, Robespierre, and Hotels like De- Ville were destroyed beyond repair during the course of the revolution.

2. Led to reign of terror:
The peaceful revolution that began on the 5th May 1789 changed into violence and causing reign of terror in France by 1792-1794. During this period there was total breakdown of law and order, heavy massacres as people were competing to kill in order not to be killed especially by the leaders of political clubs.

2. Economic decline in France:
The revolution led to the general decline in the level of economic activities. It hindered progress in agriculture, trade, industrial sector, transport and communication especially during the reign of terror. This led to unemployment, inflation, poverty, starvation and famine.

3. The church and the state:
The revolution led to serous conflict between the Catholic Church and the state. Before the revolution, the Catholic Church and the state were inseparable. However, the declaration of the civil constitution the clergy, nationalization of the church property and removing privileges of the church led to poor relationship between the church and the state