The French Revolution | the learning pace

How did the French Revolution turn into a republic?

The French Revolution, which took place from 1789 to 1799, was a period of radical social and political change in France. It started with the fall of the Bourbon monarchy and the rise of the First French Republic and ultimately led to the Reign of Terror and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor of the French.

The French Revolution began with the convocation of the Estates-General, a representative assembly of the three main social classes in France: the clergy, the nobility, and the common people. The common people, who were known as the Third Estate, were unhappy with their lack of representation and power, and they eventually broke away from the Estates-General to form their own assembly, the National Assembly. This marked the start of the revolution, as the National Assembly began to take control of the government and implement reforms.

In 1792, the monarchy was abolished and the First French Republic was established. The Republic was a democratic government that was based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which were the main slogans of the revolution. However, the early years of the Republic were marked by political instability and violence, as different factions struggled for power. This led to the Reign of Terror, a period of widespread repression and execution of political opponents, which lasted from 1793 to 1794.

After the Reign of Terror ended, Napoleon Bonaparte rose to power and eventually became Emperor of the French. Although Napoleon brought stability to France, he was also a dictator who pursued aggressive military campaigns and suppressed political opposition. The French Revolution ultimately ended with the fall of Napoleon and the restoration of the monarchy in 1815.