The French Revolution

There were many factors shaping French Nationalism, some of which include:

Social Factors

• who should be considered important and who should not
• who should lead and who should follow
• who should be included and who should be excluded
• how groups should work out conflicts and respond to challenges

Before the revolution, France had a strict social system which was decided by birth. The 1st and 2nd estates along with the Catholic Church held most of the power even though 96% of the population was a part of the 3rd estate. The social factors were based upon:

Historical Factors

With Louis XVI's ruling, the French Revolution was inevitable. The storming of the bastille was an event that occured because of the collective consciousness of the French people in Paris. The bastille became a symbol of the French people's new found nationalism. This event influenced European countries beyond France. Centuries after, this event still continues to inspire French people to take action when their rights are denied.



Economic Factors

By the late 1780's, France was going bankrupt because of the wars. Louis XVI decided to increase the taxes that the French aristocrats had to pay. The aristocrats blocked Louis XVI's plans. Louis called a meeting with the Estates General who had not been gathered in more than 170 years. In the past the three estates voted seperately. Most members of the Third Estate were bourgeoisie and they were determined to change the system and create a constitution that implemented equal rights. they called themselves the National Assembly and they swore on the Tennis Court Oath. This caused Louis to gather troops eventually leading to the Storming of the Bastille.

Geographic Factors  

King Louis was ordering that people pay more taxes but large parts of france were going through harsh weather. The winters of 1788-89 were one of the worst times for the French people. The weather had closed of roads and made traveling and trade a struggle. When the warm seasons came along in those years the country was sturck by drought and dry climate. These changes in Frances weather caused grain crops to die out and raise the cost of flour. Many French people were now deprived of their staple;bread. The countryside had riots and people were attacking wagons with any grain products. As the riots grew out of control rumors and suspicions spread about the aristocrats plotting to attack the poor. As the poor across France suffered, the distrust for the queen grew with rumors. The queen was distrusted because she was from Austria a country that France had issues with in the past. She was seen as an outsider and some believed she was a spy. One of the famous rumours of Queen Marie Antoinette was that she said, " Let them eat cake" when told that bread was unaffordable. The frustation and anger intensified to fuel the revolution and new perspectives on nation for the people of France.



Political Factors


The National Assembly had completed the Declaration of the Rights of Man abolishing upper level estates privileges which lead to the creation of a free minded France based on new principles and charter of rights. Fear grew in other European countries that an event similar might happen to them - rebellious civilians downgrading the monarch. This was mainly due to the supporters of the king who fled from France and spread opinionated words to other countries. As a reaction, France was invaded by Austria in hope that that will restore the monarchy to its previous position. In response that revolutionary gains would not become losses, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were both executed. The Reign of Terror began, with a suspended constitution and who ever disagreed with the revolution were to be punished. Years after the end of the Reign of Terror, French government was unstable until the arrival of Napoleon who disciplined France, yet began many wars. Those wars, however, strengthened France's pride as a nation.