Write about French Revolution in 200 words
Answers
The French Revolution has been closely associated with the Age of Enlightenment. This is inevitable. The reasoning and scepticism that pervaded during this particular period in history compelled a sizeable number of French to revolt against the prevailing standards and norms in the French society.
During the aforementioned period, military and political leader Napoleon Bonaparte had risen to prominence, specifically by taking control of France after the success of the French Revolution. He was also partly instrumental in promoting the ideals of the Enlightenment elsewhere in Europe.
Beginning 1789 and lasting until 1799, the French Revolution was a chaotic period in the history of France. Of course, before the onset of the revolt, the general members of the French populace had become increasingly disappointed with their rulers. Fiscal reforms due to a weakening economy resulted in an increase in taxation. Members of the nobility had become exploitative of ordinary citizens.
A growing discontent eventually resulted in the staging of a wide scale revolution that was specifically intended to overthrow the monarchy. It also resulted in the de-Christening of France by removing the authority of the Roman Catholic Church.
The revolution ended following the return of Napoleon to France in 1799. Take note that he initially served as the commander of a French army based in Italy from 1796 until his French homecoming in 1799. When he came back, Napoleon witnessed a destabilised French government. He immediately considered this as an opportunity to launch a coup d’état in November 1799 that subsequently made him the first consul of France. His consulate position was granted with perpetuity in 1802. By 1804, he was officially named as the new French Emperor.