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The origins of the French Revolution, 1774–1789
the end of Absolutism and the French Revolution, 1774–: The origins of the French Revolution, 1774–1789
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10
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10
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88 min
Study time
AqaA LevelHistory2H France in Revolution, 1774–1815 (A-level only)
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The origins of the French Revolution, 1774–17894 objectives
- Absolutism and the structure of the Ancien Régime: Louis XVI as King; government; social divisions; privileges and burdens; strengths and weaknesses.
- The ideas of the Enlightened philosophes: extent of influence in France; the salons; impact of the American revolution and War of Independence.
- Economic problems and royal finance: attempts to improve royal finances under Turgot, Necker and Calonne.
- The Assembly of Notables and political developments, February 1787 to May 1789; the state of France, politically, economically and socially by the meeting of the Estates-General.
Key terms
Estates-GeneralTiers ÉtatPhilosophesLiberty, Equality, FraternityNational DebtThird EstateFinancial CrisisSocial Inequality
Exam tips
- Use specific examples in your answers: When discussing the causes of the French Revolution, include specific events, such as the convening of the Estates-General or the financial crisis.
- Use Specific Examples: When discussing the influence of Enlightenment ideas, always reference specific philosophers and their works.
Common mistakes
- Oversimplifying the causes of the Revolution: Acknowledge the interplay of economic, social, and political factors, including Enlightenment ideas and the structure of the Ancien Régime.
- Overgeneralizing Enlightenment Influence: Recognize the diversity of thought among philosophes and how specific ideas from figures like Rousseau and Montesquieu uniquely influenced revolutionary thought.
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