• Impacts from the enlightenment set stage for revolution
  • More people move to Paris and other major cities
  • Expansion of literacy among new types of readers
  • Better conditions for people in most ranks
• In eighteenth century, France was constantly in expensive wars
• In 1780s, Louis XVI needed money, called representatives from three estates
• Parisian people hear assembly will be disbanded, start rebellion
  • On July 14, 1789, they take up arms and storm Bastille prison
  • By August, nobles of assembly renounce titles and surrender privileges
  • Nobles passed Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen in 1789
• Between 1789-1791, National Assembly reduced power of monarchy
• Makes all churches and clergy loyal to state rather than church
• Foreign monarchies swear to restore former French monarchy
  • Facing armies across continent, revolution established military draft
• Government began executions in Reign of Terror
  • Executed King Louis XVI in 1793
  • The Terror alienated more and more allies over time
  • Architect of the reign himself and his allies were executed in 1794
• In 1799, general Napoleon Bonaparte seized control of government