History

French Revolution — quick study summary

AP European HistoryGCSE HistoryIB History

The French Revolution (1789–1799) overthrew the Bourbon monarchy, abolished feudalism, and spread Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity. Triggered by financial crisis, food shortages and Enlightenment thought, it reshaped France and inspired revolutionary movements across the world.

Key points

Causes: financial crisis, food shortages, Enlightenment ideas, Estate inequality
1789: Storming of the Bastille (July 14), Declaration of the Rights of Man
1791-1792: Constitutional monarchy, then republic declared
1793-1794: Reign of Terror under Robespierre; ~17,000 executed
1799: Napoleon Bonaparte's coup ends the Revolution

Practice quiz

Click each question to reveal the answer.

1. What event in 1789 is often cited as the start of the French Revolution?

Answer: Storming of the Bastille

2. Who led the Reign of Terror?

Napoleon Bonaparte
Louis XVI
Maximilien Robespierre
Marquis de Lafayette

Answer: Maximilien Robespierre

3. What document, inspired by Enlightenment ideals, was adopted in 1789?

Answer: Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

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Last reviewed: May 2026