What was the French Revolutions and what was the main 3 divisions of it?
The French Revolution was a major political and social upheaval in France that began in 1789 and ended in 1799. It overthrew the old royal order, weakened the monarchy, and helped spread ideas about rights, equality, and citizenship.
The 3 main divisions
A simple way to divide it is into these three phases:
- Moderate phase (1789–1792).
This began with events like the storming of the Bastille and the National Assembly’s reforms. France moved away from absolute monarchy and toward a constitutional government.
- Radical phase (1792–1794).
The monarchy was abolished, France became a republic, and the Reign of Terror took place. This was the most intense and violent part of the revolution.
- Thermidorian phase / Directory (1794–1799).
After Robespierre fell, the revolution became less radical. Power shifted to the Directory, and the revolution eventually ended when Napoleon rose to power in 1799.
Why it mattered
- It ended the old feudal system in France.
- It introduced revolutionary ideas about equality and rights.
- It changed France’s government from monarchy to republic, at least for a time.
Simple memory trick
Think of it like this: start, peak, and decline.
- Start: people challenge the king.
- Peak: revolution turns radical.
- Decline: the revolution cools down and Napoleon takes over.
In short, the French Revolution was France’s break from absolute monarchy, and its three main divisions are usually described as the moderate, radical, and Thermidorian/Directory phases.
