Question

due: wednesday, october 8, 2025 at 11:59 pm
please answer the following questions in 2+ sentences each.

1. what was the biggest cause of the french revolution?
2. what was the most important/influential event of the french revolution?
3. how did napoleon influence the french revolution?

posted tue oct 7, 2025 at 7:40 pm
comments

Explanation:

1. The biggest cause of the French Revolution was a combination of factors. The financial crisis, caused by costly wars and an inefficient tax - system that burdened the Third Estate while the clergy and nobility were largely exempt, was crucial. Enlightenment ideas about liberty, equality, and democracy also inspired the people to demand political change.
2. One of the most important events was the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. This act symbolized the people's uprising against the monarchy and the start of the revolution. It also signaled the transfer of power from the king to the people and led to the formation of a new revolutionary government.
3. Napoleon Bonaparte both preserved and subverted aspects of the French Revolution. He codified the laws through the Napoleonic Code, which enshrined many revolutionary ideals like equality before the law. However, his rise to power as an emperor and his authoritarian rule deviated from the original democratic and republican goals of the revolution.

Answer:

1. The biggest cause of the French Revolution was the financial crisis and the spread of Enlightenment ideas. The financial crisis, mainly due to costly wars and an unfair tax - system, burdened the Third Estate. Enlightenment ideas about liberty and equality inspired the people to seek change.
2. The Storming of the Bastille was a highly important event. It symbolized the people's revolt against the monarchy and marked the start of the revolution. It led to the formation of a new revolutionary government.
3. Napoleon influenced the French Revolution by codifying laws through the Napoleonic Code, which preserved some revolutionary ideals. But his rise as an emperor and authoritarian rule deviated from the original democratic and republican aims of the revolution.