effects of French revolution.
Answers
1. International: struggle for hegemony and Empire outstrips the fiscal resources of the state
2. Political conflict: conflict between the Monarchy and the nobility over the “reform” of the tax system led to paralysis and bankruptcy
EFFECTS OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION ON FRANCE
The France revolution that started in 1789 brought fundamental social, political and economic changes in the history of France. The changes caused by the revolution were both positive and negative in the history of France:
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.
7. Parliamentary Democracy:
The French revolution led to the revival of the parliament which was abandoned for a period of over 175 years. The revolution gave France a functional parliament with representatives who are democratically elected. The French men were able to participate in the governing of their country.
8. Constitution and rule of law:
The French revolution introduced the rule of law in the history of France. Before 1789, France had no constitution to safeguard people’s rights and freedom. However, in 1791, the government enacted the constitution that was amended in 1793 and 1795. The constitution clearly separated the executive, the judiciary and legislature. The constitution reduced the king’s excessive powers.
9. Land ownership
.The revolution brought new reforms and change on land ownership in France. Before the revolution, land was dominated by the clergy and the nobles who exploited the peasants. The revolution brought change in the land tenure system in France. The idea of private ownership of land by every body was encouraged this provided chance to peasants to own land. I.e., the church land was nationalized and sold to peasants.
9. National Guard:
There was formation of National Guard that replaced the royal guard of the Bourbon monarchy. National Guard was the revolutionary army whose role was to protect the achievements of the French revolution. By the end of 1793, there were about 700, 000 well trained and disciplined soldiers of the National Guard that protected people and their property. This was one of the great achievements of the revolution in France.