Essay on French Revolution for Class 10, 12, Mains Exam (UPSC, PSC, SSC)
French Revolution Essay : The French Revolution also known as the Revolution of 1789 was a revolutionary movement that unsettled French society in a period spanning from 1789 to 1799 that reached its pinnacle in 1799 – hence the conventional term Revolution of 1789 denoting the end of the ancient feudal regime in France. The Revolution of 1789 caters to distinguish that event from the subsequent French Revolutions of 1830 and 1848. The Revolution in France was typical of every other similar movement in Western Europe in the late 18th century. However, the causes of its escalated violence were unique. The reasons for the French Revolution are as follows.
2.0. Discussion
2.1 Social Structure/Feudal society:
Historically, French society was the epitome of the feudal system. The classes were strictly segregated into two;
i) The landholding class or landholders owned most of the resources like land and wealth. They held a significant and prominent stature in society. They also acquired administrative and political power.
ii) The Bourgeoisie or the commoners worked on the lands of the landholders as tenants and served as second-class citizens of the country. Their financial powers were limited as were their political powers.
The inequalities in the existing society prompted agitations for shifts of powers.
2.2 Discovery of new sources of wealth:
The discovery of gold mines in Brazil and other colonies, increased the demand for new occupations such as merchants, professionals, and manufacturers along with peasants acquiring land of their own enabling them to attain a higher standard of living. Thus the erstwhile bourgeoisie could afford to claim political and other rights. Strengthened by the new economic and social situation, the commoners weakened the anachronistic feudal system.
2.3 Rise of Intellectuals:
French society witnessed a rise in the intellectual class. The class comprised learned men, philosophers like Jean Jacques Rousseau, and Voltaire, debaters and orators. The intellectual class was arguably more knowledgeable and aware than any other class in the western world. The intellectuals argued about novel philosophies and approaches to life to keep up with changing social context. This led to the downfall of the feudal aristocrats.
2.4 French participation in the American Revolution:
The increased expenditure due to war in Europe and America during the early 18th century, the monarchs determined to tax the bourgeoisie and aristocrats alike. The two classes forged an unlikely alliance to weaken the monarchs by claiming political and administrative rights.
2.5 Decrease in mortality rate:
The improving living standards drastically decreased the mortality rate. Consequently, the demand for food and other necessities of life grew. The monarch faced with fierce demands for political and economic changes failed to appease its people leading to its downfall.
2.6 Ultimate fall of French monarchy:
The ancient image of the monarch as a divine force had become redundant. The commoners as well as the aristocrats lost faith in the monarch as the supreme source of power subsequently diminishing the powers of the monarch.
3.0 Conclusion:
The French Revolution overhauled the anachronistic feudal system and replaced it with a less conservative bourgeoisie society. The extensive changes brought a comparatively equal distribution of land ownership, political and social rights and economic policies. The improved standard of living demanded better opportunities and social prominence. The rise of aristocrats learned men and the merchant class rose with the congruent downfall of the monarch ending the feudal system.
FAQS
Q1. When did the French Revolution occur?
Ans: The French Revolution occurred from 1789 to 1789.
Q2. Name any two important philosophers.
Ans: Jean Jacques Rousseau and Voltaire are two important philosophers of the French Revolution.
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