French Revolution
What were the underlying causes of the French Revolution? It has been argued by Ancient Greek Philosopher Plato that revolutions can be a result of a breakdown of consensus in the ruling class, such countries as France, Russia and China are all good paradigms of this particular theory.The course of a revolution usually comes into effect due to two types of causes ; preconditions and precipitants. This is a structural approach and is in contrast with Plato's theory whichsupports that "the economic and social structure of France had greatly outgrown her political and governmental system" 1. These are the preconditions of the French Revolution.The precipitants can be associated with historical accidents, special operations and specific events, such as the storming the Royal Prison, The Bastille in July 14th of 1789 which was inspired by the National Assembly, and symbolizes the people of France marking the beginning of the revolutionary spirit. These particular instances provide the spark to ignite a revolution. The climate of uncertainty was highlighted by King Louis the XVI by various determinations in his power. Louis the XVI inherited debt
) Parker, Geoffrey (1986) The Times Illustrated History of the World , Hong Kong: Times Books, pg. The Breakdown of the ancien regime (Old regime) played a major role in instigation of the Revolution. "Rousseau's assumption was that all people originally were equal and good but due to the corruption influence of their environment they become unequal and bad"11The discontinuation of the American War of Independence off the Atlantic marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The second half of the eighteenth century "had become a common place for writers to predict an imminent revolution". In the instances of the Revolution it was assumed that "the end of the old regime was the necessary condition of the beginning of a new"6Between the periods of 1750 to 1950 the population growth of Europe had approximatelyincreased from 140 million in 1750 to 540 million in 1950 and " no social and political order could have remained unaffected by so immense an increase in humanity"7French philosopher Alexis De Tocqueville who was of aristocratic background, studied the Old Regime in France and argued that only in France did feudalism, which was abolished on August 4th1789, did it fell more detested than in any other country. Although this supposable absolute rule could be limited by the 'Parlements', particularly in extending taxes to the privileged orders. These people were presented as aristocrats, lawyers, business people and local dignitaries which were well educated and became the group of people where France obtained a majority of their Leaders. ), The Economic Origins of the French Revolution; Poverty or Prosperity?; Lexington, Mass: C Heath & Co, pg 149. ) Schama, Simon(1989) Citizens; A Chronicle of the French Revolution ; Great Britain, Viking, Pg 51 10. While Maximilien Robespierre, a young brilliant radical tactician, created a self defying ordinance to prevent France retracing itsprogress. Surprisingly, 78% of revolutionary leaders in modern nations have received University training. These decisions were provoked by the three estates of France through activism and also by King Louis XVI who called on the Estate General for assistance with the financial crisis and conflict between classes.
Common topics in this essay:
Louis XVI,
French Revolution,
Third Estate,
Regime France,
National Assembly,
Revolution France3,
Russia China,
Jacques Rousseau1712-1778,
Maximilien Robespierre,
Prussia Spain,
french revolution,
louis xvi,
king louis xvi,
king louis,
third estate,
people france,
national assembly,
financial crisis,
history french,
eighteenth century,
absolute rule,
history french revolution,
french revolution london,
london routledge kegan,
revolution london routledge,
|
Acceptance Essays
