Revolución francesa: The French Revolution and Its Impact on Modern Day French Society

The French Revolution, a transformative period from 1789 to 1799, fundamentally altered France and left a lasting legacy that continues to shape modern society. It dismantled the ancient régime, ended feudal privileges, and laid the foundations for modern democracy and human rights. This article explores the key events of the Revolution and examines its enduring impacts on contemporary French society. Prelude to Revolution In the late 18th century, France was a nation rife with economic distress, social inequality, and political inefficacy. The financial crisis, exacerbated by costly wars and royal extravagance, pushed the state towards bankruptcy. The rigid social hierarchy, with the clergy and nobility enjoying privileges at the expense of the Third Estate—the vast majority of the population—created widespread discontent. Key Events of the Revolution King Lois XVI of France 1. The Estates-General and the National Assembly (1789) - In May 1789, King Louis XVI convened the ...