the french revolution occurred when the three parts of the general assembly merged and when a constitution was written, supply the history and details — especially the make-up of government
ChatGPT said:
The French Revolution (1789–1799) was a major turning point in world history, profoundly transforming French society and politics. It began as a reaction to widespread inequality, financial crisis, and a rigid social structure under the Ancien Régime (Old Regime), and it eventually led to the fall of the monarchy and the rise of a republic.
Let’s break down the key details, particularly focusing on:
- The General Assembly (Estates-General)
- The formation of a constitution
- The makeup of the new government(s)
The Estates-General (General Assembly) – Background
Before the revolution, France was divided into three social classes, called Estates:
- First Estate – The clergy (church officials)
- Second Estate – The nobility
- Third Estate – Commoners (the vast majority: peasants, urban workers, bourgeoisie/middle class)
Each estate had one vote in the Estates-General, a national assembly called only during crises (it hadn’t met since 1614 before 1789). This system was inherently unfair: the First and Second Estates (just 2–3% of the population) could outvote the Third (about 97%).
The Spark: June 1789 – The National Assembly
- In May 1789, King Louis XVI called the Estates-General to solve France’s severe financial problems.
- The Third Estate demanded more representation and voting by head, not by estate.
- When their demands were rejected, the Third Estate broke away and declared itself the National Assembly in June 1789.
- Some members of the clergy and nobility joined them, uniting the three estates (but under the Third’s leadership).
- This event is often considered the start of the French Revolution.
Tennis Court Oath (June 20, 1789)
- After being locked out of their meeting hall, the National Assembly met in a tennis court and swore not to disband until they had written a new constitution for France.
Constitution and New Governments
1. 1791 Constitution – Constitutional Monarchy
- The National Assembly completed the Constitution of 1791, creating a constitutional monarchy.
- The king remained head of state, but his powers were limited.
- Legislative power went to a new body: the Legislative Assembly.
Government Structure (1791):
- King: Executive power, but now subject to the constitution
- Legislative Assembly: Unicameral body, made laws and decided on war
- Citizenship: Only active citizens (property-owning men) could vote
But this system didn’t last long. Many believed the king was undermining the new government, and he tried to flee France in the Flight to Varennes (1791). Trust was broken.
2. 1792–1795: The First French Republic
- In 1792, after radical uprisings, the monarchy was abolished.
- A new assembly, the National Convention, was elected.
- Louis XVI was tried and executed in 1793.
- France became a republic, governed by elected representatives.
Government Structure (1792–1795):
- National Convention: A new elected legislature
- Committees: Especially the Committee of Public Safety, led by Robespierre, which took dictatorial power during the Reign of Terror
3. 1795–1799: The Directory
- After the fall of Robespierre in 1794, a new constitution (1795) created the Directory.
Government Structure (1795–1799):
- Five Directors: Executive power (collective leadership)
- Bicameral legislature:
- Council of 500: Proposed laws
- Council of Ancients: Approved laws
- Property requirements for voting returned
This system was inefficient and corrupt, and it was soon overthrown.
4. 1799: Napoleon’s Coup d’État
- In 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte led a coup and established the Consulate, marking the end of the French Revolution.
- He later declared himself Emperor in 1804.
Summary Table: French Revolutionary Governments
| Period | Government | Head of State | Legislature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1789–1791 | National Assembly → Legislative Assembly | King (limited) | Legislative Assembly | Constitutional monarchy |
| 1792–1795 | First Republic (National Convention) | None | National Convention | King executed; Reign of Terror |
| 1795–1799 | The Directory | 5-man Directory | Bicameral legislature | Weak, overthrown by Napoleon |
| 1799–1804 | Consulate (Napoleon) | Napoleon (First Consul) | Tribunat + Legislative Body | Authoritarian rule begins |
Final Notes
- The French Revolution was not just one event but a series of rapid transformations.
- The merging of the Estates into the National Assembly was crucial—it signaled the end of feudal privileges and the beginning of popular sovereignty.
- Over a decade, France went from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy, then to a radical republic, then to dictatorship, and finally to empire under Napoleon.
Would you like a timeline graphic or a simplified version of this for study purposes?