A-Level History Revision Notes – French Revolution.
The Enlightenment.
The enlightenment was a 17th/18th century movement which spread across Europe.
Focused in France in the late 18th century.
People began to question societal conventions / norms.
Opposition to religion, superstition, tradition, etc.
Enlightened thinkers shared some thoughts, but differed on some key issues:
o Montesquieu favoured the British model of government, but stated that
democracy would lead to mob rule.
o Voltaire believed in republicanism (which at this early stage of the revolution
was seen as a radical position) and was critical of the church. He praised the
English governmental and legal system and advocated freedom of speech,
thought and expression. This “radical” stance led to his essays being banned.
o Rousseau was also a republican and he believed in equal rights and
responsibilities within society. Crucially, he argued that everyone should have
the right to choose their laws (differing from Montesquieu).
Impacts of the American Revolution.
American War of Independence broke out in 1775.
French soldiers arrived to fight against the British in America in 1778.
French troops saw the Americans fighting against an imperial oppressor, and brought
back revolutionary ideas when they returned to France.
o They thought, “if the Americans can beat the British, then why cant we beat
our king / the system?”
France’s aim in fighting the war was to weaken / destroy British global power – FAIL!
By 1788, the proportion of French state expenditure on debt had grown to over 50%.
The French government spent 1.3 billion livres on the war – an economically crippling
sum for France.
Assembly of Notables 1787.
Louis XVI and Charles de Calonne called the Assembly of Notables in 1787 (instead
of the Estates-General) in an attempt to pass economic reforms.
o Charles de Calonne wanted to sell Church lands and introduce a universal
land tax, as well as being a strong advocate for free trade and reducing
government spending.
Assembly of Notables was called as fiscal changes needed approval from a body
representing the people.
Many members of the Assembly of Notables were sceptical of the grim economic
assessment (following the Compte Rendu) and also wary of such radical reforms.
Their refusal to approve economic reforms was not due to the actual reforms, just
how the reforms would be enacted - this led to the calling of the Paris Parlement.
Opposition in Paris Parlement.
The Enlightenment.
The enlightenment was a 17th/18th century movement which spread across Europe.
Focused in France in the late 18th century.
People began to question societal conventions / norms.
Opposition to religion, superstition, tradition, etc.
Enlightened thinkers shared some thoughts, but differed on some key issues:
o Montesquieu favoured the British model of government, but stated that
democracy would lead to mob rule.
o Voltaire believed in republicanism (which at this early stage of the revolution
was seen as a radical position) and was critical of the church. He praised the
English governmental and legal system and advocated freedom of speech,
thought and expression. This “radical” stance led to his essays being banned.
o Rousseau was also a republican and he believed in equal rights and
responsibilities within society. Crucially, he argued that everyone should have
the right to choose their laws (differing from Montesquieu).
Impacts of the American Revolution.
American War of Independence broke out in 1775.
French soldiers arrived to fight against the British in America in 1778.
French troops saw the Americans fighting against an imperial oppressor, and brought
back revolutionary ideas when they returned to France.
o They thought, “if the Americans can beat the British, then why cant we beat
our king / the system?”
France’s aim in fighting the war was to weaken / destroy British global power – FAIL!
By 1788, the proportion of French state expenditure on debt had grown to over 50%.
The French government spent 1.3 billion livres on the war – an economically crippling
sum for France.
Assembly of Notables 1787.
Louis XVI and Charles de Calonne called the Assembly of Notables in 1787 (instead
of the Estates-General) in an attempt to pass economic reforms.
o Charles de Calonne wanted to sell Church lands and introduce a universal
land tax, as well as being a strong advocate for free trade and reducing
government spending.
Assembly of Notables was called as fiscal changes needed approval from a body
representing the people.
Many members of the Assembly of Notables were sceptical of the grim economic
assessment (following the Compte Rendu) and also wary of such radical reforms.
Their refusal to approve economic reforms was not due to the actual reforms, just
how the reforms would be enacted - this led to the calling of the Paris Parlement.
Opposition in Paris Parlement.
