The French Revolution began in 1789 as a culmination of social, economic, and political tensions in France. It was sparked by widespread discontent among the Third Estate (commoners) who faced heavy taxation, food shortages, and inequality compared to the clergy and nobility. The immediate trigger was the convening of the Estates-General—a representative assembly—for the first time in 175 years, as King Louis XVI sought solutions to France’s financial crisis.

The revolution unfolded in stages, starting with the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, symbolizing the people’s rejection of royal authority and their demands for change. This was followed by the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, asserting principles of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty. The revolutionaries established a constitutional monarchy and later, amidst internal conflicts and external pressures, abolished the monarchy altogether, leading to the Reign of Terror under the radical Jacobins.

The Revolution profoundly affected France socially, politically, and economically. Feudal privileges were abolished, promoting greater equality and meritocracy. However, the period was marked by violence, instability, and factionalism. The economy suffered, exacerbating poverty and social unrest. While the Revolution laid the groundwork for modern democratic principles and inspired nationalist movements across Europe, its initial promise of liberty for all often faltered amid the struggle for power. Ultimately, it transformed France and reverberated globally, leaving a complex legacy of both ideals and turmoil.