French Revolution (Concise) by Rajat Jhingan

The French Revolution was among such very important events of the 18th century as brought tectonic shift in the European life style, its political system and its socio-economic milieu. An important point in this regard was that France of the 18th century was among the most developed and prosperous nation of the then Europe. Its population was far more than that of England and Spain, its economic development was good and armed forces were well structured and disciplined. France was also a leading country in terms of culture, civilization, Scientific and literary knowledge. The economic condition of French farmers was better than that of the farmers of other countries. 

In fact, the French Revolution happened in 1789 at that point of time when the rate of economic growth was becoming better in France. In this context, this question naturally arises when no apparent and important reasons were available, why and how a revolution of such magnitude occurred in France as had not only subverted the monarchy but also terminated feudalism as concrete system from France. To arrive at any conclusion in this regard, it is imperative to understand those small lacunae and contradictions embedded in the socio- economic-political system of France which prepared the base for the French Revolution. Simultaneously, it is also necessary to appropriately appraise the role of the intelligentsia in this revolution. These can be deliberated under the following points:-

1. CONTRADICTORY ELEMENTS OF THE FRENCH SOCIETY:

1. The then French society was divided into three major classes:- The priest class/ the clergy class, the feudal class and the ordinary class. First two classes were enjoying various perks and immunities and were also free from taxation while the ordinary class, consisted of traders, capitalists, intelligentsia, people from various occupations along with farmers, labourers, artisans etc. had neither any prerogative nor social recognition nor respect. The insult to injury was that this ordinary class had to bear the entire load of taxation. This ordinary class was more or less the middle class of the French society.
2. An important point in this regard was that the economic status of the middle class of France was better than that of the middle class of other countries of Europe. But, despite this better economic status, their social status was negligible. Because of better economic condition, their aspiration for getting higher social status was increasing and simultaneously, the feeling of revolt against the increasing perks and prerogatives of the clergy and the feudal class was also developing in their minds.
3. The condition of farmers and labourers was comparatively worse and pitiable because apart from many types of taxes, they had to also pay toll-taxes and various types of gifts. Because of differences in the rate of taxes at different places, govt. officials also had ample opportunities to harass them. On the other hand, the noble class / feudal class of France was like absentee landlord which was reluctant to carry out solid efforts to ameliorate the pitiable condition of farmers and agriculture. It was but natural that continuity of this situation for a longer period would definitely raise voices of opposition. Worsening of the condition of agriculture at any point of time could lead to destruction of lives of farmers and subsequently to a massive revolt. In the later half of the decade of 1780, such situation emerged when in 1785 and in 1788, crops got destroyed because of famine and excess of rainfall respectively.
4. An exclusive point was that though the noble class was affluent and full of prerogatives but it was also unhappy because of decrease in its own power and proportionate increase in the power of king during the reign of Louis XIV. Though, during the reign of king Louis XV, the noble class got back same of its prerogatives yet they had developed dissatisfaction against the Kingship.

2. CONTRADICTIONS IN THE ECONOMIC SYSTEM OF FRANCE

1. Broadly, France of the 18th century was affluent from economic point of view but where were many contradictory situations inside this affluent economic condition. The clergy class and the nobility were rich but the Govt. of France was at the Verge of bankruptcy. The Govt. exchequer was almost empty because of exorbitant expenditure in the Seven Year war, various battles fought during the reign of Louis XIV and interference of France in the American war of independence.
2. To meet the increasing expenditure, extra taxation was necessary but efforts made by King Louis XVI just before the time of revolution proved inadequate. The fundamental point was that the clergy class and the feudal class, which had plenty of money, were not ready to pay taxes whereas farmers and labourers, who were in majority, were already so crushed with the burden of taxation that they were not at all in a position to pay any extra tax.
3. The financial administration of the French Govt. was also very poor and the tendency of deficit financing also aggravated the situation.
4. The decades of 1770 and 1780 was, otherwise, also a period of economic recession in France when production decreased due to industrial recession which further led to increase in unemployment. Subsequently agriculture sector also came in the grip of recession and natural calamities also affected it badly. For the people of France, who had been enjoying the benefits of economic development for a long time before the decade of 1770, it was very difficult to bear these adverse conditions. Failure of monarchy to ameliorate the situation caused massive resentment and rage among people of the country.

3. ROLE OF AUTOCRACTIC MONARCHY

1. Like other rulers of the contemporary Europe, Louis XVI was also an autocratic and despot ruler. Though he was honest and zealous yet because of his adamant and conspiratorial behaviour, he could not establish an appropriate and apt administrative system. He was more interested in hunting and merry-making along with his sycophant ministers.
2. A major problem of king Louis XVI was his queen Marie Antoinette who was stated to be stubborn and extravagant. She left inappropriate and ugly impact on monarchy and administration because of her undesired interference.
3. An another problem of Louis XVI was lack of volition in his own character. He appointed apt ministers like Turgot and Jacques Neckar with the objective that these ministers would find a way to obtain taxes from the noble class and the clergy class but when these ministers made their recommendations in this regard, Louis XVI sacked them under pressure from the noble and the clergy class. This evinced to the rank and file that monarchy is a puppet in the hands of nobility and priests and is generally against the common people.

4. ROLE OF PHILOSOPHERS

There is lack of unanimity among scholars regarding role of philosophers in the French Revolution. Some scholars are of the view that the French revolution was an outcome of various contradictions, inherent in the policy, society and economy of the country. On the other side, many other scholars argue that the French Revolution was brought on by those philosophers who were influenced with the ideologies of enlightenment. They further argued that lacunae in the ancient French system could have been sorted out through reforms and as such there was no need for such a massive revolution.

In fact, before the French Revolution, scholars like Montesquieu, Locke, Voltaire, Rousseau etc. had aroused brouhaha in the intellectual milieu of France. They advocated principles like effective control on the autocracy of rulers, limited monarchy, natural rights of human beings, equality among humans etc. There was also a massive impact of the theory of Free Market of economy propounded by Adam Smith and other scholars which debunked the exploitative nature of the feudal system of France and criticized the perks and prerogatives enjoyed by the nobility and the clergy class of France. Because of the principles and ideas propounded by these philosophers, revolutionary ideas

and feelings started spreading among common people of France and by understanding these shortcomings and evils of the system, people also started gaining unrest and anger against the existing system known as 'Ancient Regime.'

However, it may not be appropriate to state that the ideologies of philosophers were the parent cause of the French Revolution. In fact, these philosophers never talked about any revolution. Basically, they were middle class thinkers who were mainly supporter of reforms in the system through peaceful means. They just pointed out those shortcomings of the existing system which were already prevalent and against which, unrest was bound to occur among the rank and file.

Philosophers and scholars, however, definitely played a role in augmenting this unrest and once the French Revolution started, leaders of the revolution started emphatically using ideas and quotes of these intellectuals in order to agitate and mobilize common people.

Apart from these reasons, a unit of the French army under the leadership of Lafayette also fought with the American army against the British in the American war of independence and subsequently returned France filled with the ideas of people's participation and supremacy of common people. These soldiers were also angry with the existing inequalities in France. These soldiers also played a pivotal role in spread of nationalist feelings.

BEGINNING OF THE REVOLUTION

In this backdrop, the environment of the revolution in France was ready. When all the efforts of Louis XVI to bail out of financial crisis ended in smoke, he became compelled to seek help of the French Parliament. However, Parliament declared that it does not have the right to impose new taxes and this can be done only by a body called 'Estates General'. But, meeting of the estates General had not been convened for the last 175 years. Ultimately, Louis XVI had to convene meeting of the estates General.

The Estates General consisted of three parts among which the first and the second estate belonged to the clergy class and the noble class while the third estate was of the common people in which representatives of the middle class and the lower class were included. When the meeting of the estates General took place then the first estate and the second estate had convened their separate meetings. The third estate opposed this and demanded for a joint sitting and also demanded that the number of members in the third estate should be double than the membership of the first estate and the second estate. This created massive rift and chaos. When Louis XVI reconvened the meeting of the Estates General in May, 1789, the Third Estate took a rebel form and declared itself as the National Assembly of France. When the Third Estate found the Assembly hall locked, their leaders went to the nearby tennis court on 20th June, 1789 and took oath that until they prepare the draft for the new constitution of France, they won't be separated.

In the meantime, Louis XVI sacked the popular minister Neckar and also deployed around twenty thousand soldiers to block the region around Paris. In opposition, people attacked the fort of Bastille near Paris and plundered the arms and ammunitions stored therein. This day i.e. the 14th July, 1789 was celebrated as the Independence Day in France and was considered as the official beginning of the French Revolution. Compelled by these developments, King Louis XVI had to recognize the National Assembly. Even in Paris, the power came in the hands of revolutionaries and the king became compelled to appoint Lafayette as the head of the National Guard.

An important point in this regard is that the French Revolution was completed in many phases and the incidents mentioned above were part of the first phase. As per events and propensities, the French Revolution has been divided into the following phases:-

1. Phase of Constitutional Monarchy- 1789-1792 
2. Phase of Extreme Republicanism - 1792-1794 
3. Phase of Liberal Republicanism/ Phase of Thermodorian Republicanism- 1794-1799

However in order to appreciate the French Revolution and its nuances, the condition of France during rise and Fall of Napoleon is also necessary to be taken into account when Napoleon established his autocracy under the garb of democracy and tried to turn the ideals of the revolution upside down.

PHASE OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY

With the downfall of Bastille fort, the first phase of the revolution started and thus started the period of rapid institutional changes. The constituent Assembly declared the paper of human rights and civil rights' on 27th August, 1789. According to this, it was declared that all humans are born free and their rights are also equal. The ground of social differentiation can be only general utility. All Citizens were considered equal before law and it was declared the duty of the govt. to ensure safety of the natural rights, liberty, wealth and lives of human beings. To resist against tyranny was also considered as a natural right. Before this, the National Assembly also declared the end of feudalism from France. Though, nobles were given compensation for abnegating various rights and also

safeguarded their status by obtaining right to property but feudalism ended as a system in France.

The National Assembly was busy in its work at the level of the executive. In the meanwhile, many small revolts of farmers erupted in the boundary areas of France in July-August, 1789. These farmers were feeling that in the French Revolution, there had been nexus between the middle class and the noble class and ultimately only interests of these two classes would be satiated.

Subsequently, a massive number of women also raised a big movement in France against the rising prices of food and inactiveness of the monarchy in this regard. The result of the peasant movements was that the National Assembly ended the feudalism and feudal prerogatives from France. Though, women participated in the revolution through various means during 1789-1795 yet they were not given due consideration in the then male dominated society of France. However, the National Assembly also made various rules in November, 1789 in order to take the priest class under control. These rules were related to appointment of priests through election to entrust them with work of

local administration and to make them salaried class. Even in this, mainly the interests of middle class were satiated while the interests of lower class were neglected. This caused resentment among the farmers and labourers of lower class.

In 1791, the National Assembly prepared the new constitution of France. Even in the new constitution, mainly the interests of the middle class were fulfilled. Under the new constitution, the provision of limited monarchy was made. Though, it was declared under the declaration of human and civil rights that all citizens are equal yet the right to voting was given only to those citizens who were paying taxes in form of money. The National Assembly was made the National Legislative Assembly and was entrusted the power to declare war and to sign treaties with other countries.

The power of the Church was further limited while Louis XVI was allowed to remain the king of France.

PHASE OF EXTREME REPUBLICANISM (1792-1794)

From the phases of constitutional monarchy itself, response against the French Revolution was coming from various segments of France and the rest of Europe because of minimization of power of monarchy and effective control on the powers of the priest class, not only the bigot catholic followers, supporters of monarchy and anti-revolutionary powers got united but countries like Austria and Prussia also became against the French Revolution. It was so because under the influence of the French Revolution, revolts started in other countries of Europe also, In this condition, Austria and Prussia decided to have monarchy reestablished in France. In reply, the National Assembly of France, under the influence of the radical group of Gerondins, declared war against these countries.

Gerondins mobilized the people of France for war and also declared France a republic in September, 1792. All the powers were entrusted to a newly formed executive body 'Commune'. In september, 1792, thousands of people were killed on the accusation of being antirevolution.

When Louis XVI tried to escape in order to regain his lost power, he was caught, tried and executed in January, 1793.

In the meantime, Gerondins were also experiencing challenges and threat from the increasing power of an another political group 'Jacobins' which was also an important unit of the National Assembly. Basically, National Assembly was established to prepare a new constitution considering the changed scenario of France. A civil war started between Gerondins and Jacobins in which ultimately Jacobins won. Jacobins, with the help of their 20,000 supporters dragged Gerondins leaders out of the National Legislative Assembly and killed them. Subsequently, Jacobins established their rule of

terror in the country and killed thousands of their opponents on the ground of their being against liberty and republic. Jacobins had also constituted a 'Public Security Committee' under the leadership of their leader Robbspiere which established this rule of terror. On the other side, Jacobins also established direct republic with the help of 'Public Welfare Committee' and such other committees. They started to control the prices of food, fuel, clothes etc. on the demand of labourers. But this extreme republican govt. of Jacobins lost
its contact with the people very soon and it also developed despot tendencies. Ultimately, Robspiere the leader of Jacobins, was murdered in July, 1794 and the rule of terror of Jacobins ended.

PERIOD OF LIBERAL REPUBLICANISM/ THERMODORIAN REPUBLICANISM (1795-1799)

After the downfall and death of Robspiere, the control of power once again came in the hands of

liberals. Though Robspiere was so called leader of the rank and file yet it is worthwhile to mention here that majority of people, who were sentenced to death, was of the lower class. The downfall of Robspiere is also known as Thermodorian reaction because this incident occurred on the date of Brobwe Thermodorian (French Calendar).

During the period of liberal republicans, interests of the middle class again became important. Jacobins were crushed and the National Convention prepared a new constitution in 1795. Under the new constitution, the executive powers were entrusted to a five member 'Directory'. The members of this directory were to be appointed through a legislative council which was to be elected by persons having definite amount of assets. In this new system, there was also a provision for a constitutional jury which was to examine the constitutionality of administrative regulations and laws. Thus, an effective judiciary was provided for in the new system. But in the new system, adequate rights

were not determined for the lower class. Hegemony of the rich and the middle class was established over politics and this hegemony was maintained with the help of police, armed forces and bureaucracy. In fact, the elite and the middle class, which were all in all in the new regime, were interested mainly in increasing their own wealth rather than forging ahead towards the direction of the great ideals of the French Revolution.

In 1797, elections for the new govt. were held, But the new directory failed in providing effective administration. Under the new constitution, there was also a provision for bicameral parliament but this system had never become effective. However, a major achievement of the liberal republican govt. was that it defeated the combined army of Austria, Prussia, Russia etc. and also annexed Holland and established a republican govt. therein. Prussia and Spain signed treaties of peace with France.

But, directory had to face opposition from rest of the Jacobins and supporters of monarchy. They had to seek assistance of army to crush these rebels on many occasions. Because of victories in external battles and also because of increasing role in crushing internal rebellions, the power of head of the army, Napoleon Bonaparte, increased a lot and he became successful in usurping the ruling power of France.

FRANCE- DURING THE REIGN OF NAPOLEON

In 1799, Napoleon became the first consul of France by ending the rule of Directory in France. He managed to establish his autocracy and despotism in France. In order to establish legitimacy of his authority, he also conducted a referendum in which 99.9% voters approved his governance. In 1804, Napoleon also have himself declared as the king of France by the senate.

In the contemporary France, rise of Napoleon was a very import event. Napoleon was born in a very simple family of Corsica island but by dint of his ability, he became the chief of the civil army of France from a simple soldier. He got unprecedented success in battles against Austria in 1797 which increased his popularity in France. Meanwhile, the rule of Directory was continuously being failed in both external and internal fronts. After the reign of terror of Jacobins, people were also being crushed under the rule of liberal republicans and were looking for the leadership of an able leader. Napoleon took advantage of this situation and successfully subverted the rule of Directory with the help of some military officers in 1799 and entrusted the entire power in an executive consisting of three consuls. He himself, became the First Consul. In fact, the people of France wanted to get rid of political turmoil, continuous battles, endless elections, chaos, misadministration and economic deprivation and were looking for such a permanent system as could ameliorate the situation through various reforms. Napoleon introduced and implemented many reforms in France and also adopted the title of Monarch in 1804 by winning the hearts of the people of France. But, at the same time, Napoleon also tried to end the fundamental principles of the French Revolution viz. liberty, equality, fraternity and the right to self decision of various nations. Ultimately, this move proved suicidal for

Napoleon.

The various reforms introduced by Napoleon are delineated below:-

1. Napoleon introduced the system of regular tax collection in order to ameliorate the economic condition of France. Effective control was imposed upon undue profits of contractors and on speculation. Bank of France' was established to regulate financial activities and undue expenditure was reduced. All these resulted into effective control over inflation and the common people got benefit and relief.

2. In order to address the problem of unemployment, Napoleon emphasized upon long term manufacturing work. Under this, emphasis was given on digging of canals, extension of roads, projects relating to beautification of Paris etc. Because of these big projects, many employment opportunities were generated.

3. To improve the administrative system, Napoleon adopted the policy of centralization. Whereas administration was divided and decentralized under Departments and District system during the rule of republicans after the French Revolution, Napoleon appointed officers like Mayor, Prefect and deputy prefect for administrative works. For policy making, five work sections were created. These were related to war, navy, internal matters, legislation and finance. Ministers were not members of any cabinet/ council of ministers but they were individually responsible towards the state council which was under the direct control of Napoleon. Thus, by administering with the help of nominated officials instead of elected officials, Napoleon overturned one of the important systems of the French Revolution and that was governance through elected representatives. But, with the help of this centralized system, govt. became more successful in effective utilization of national resources and in making the taxation system more concrete.

4. An exclusive system of the rule of Napoleon was preparation and implementation of five legal codes.
   These legal codes were:-
   1. Civil code
   2. Code of civil Procedure
   3. Trade (commercial) code,
   4. Penal code and
   5. Code of Criminal instruction

Through these codes, it was tried to establish rule of law in the country. Among these, the civil code, also known as Napoleon code' was very important. On civil code (1804), there was district impact of the thoughts and ideologies of Napoleon. In family related matters, tilt was given to traditionalism and the rights of the head of the family were increased. The institution of divorce remained in the code but its restrictions were made tougher. Wives were kept under the control of their husbands and their role in administrative and judicial matters was minimized to negligible level. In the civil code, provisions were also made for civil marriages and role of priests was also reduced in this regard. Through this code, provisions of equal law for the entire nation, religious liberty and secular state were provided. Through the civil code it was negated to implement any hidden law or any law with retrospective effect.
In the Code of civil Procedure, implemented in 1806, many laws and legal procedures, similar to many laws prevalent in France before the French Revolution, were enacted. Likewise, in the Trade code of 1807, many systems and rules of old monarchy were included and the interests of owners were given preference to those of workers. In the code of criminal Instructions (1808) and the Penal code (1810) also, harsh laws were included. However, considering the modern form of the state, penal actions were not legislated against blasphemy, atheism and homosexuality. However, provisions were made for harsh punishment in the Penal code and code of criminal Instruction for crimes against individuals and property as well as for political crimes. The importance of these legal codes lies in the fact that these were adopted not only in France but in other countries of Europe as well and are still being used by many other countries with slight modifications.

5. The manner, in which the Catholic Church was nationalized and its property was seized in France after revolution and the policy to alienate religion from the social and political life of the country, a particular class of the people of France and many other anti-revolutionary powers of Europe became dead against the French Revolution. In order to get rid of this situation, to develop the traits of ethics and discipline among common people through church and to establish legitimacy of his rule, Napoleon Concluded an agreement with people in 1801. This agreement is called the treaty of concordat. Under this agreement, pope abnegated his claims over the property of Church snatched away from it during revolution and also recognized the republic of France. In return, Napoleon declared Catholic the state religion of France. Exiled priests were also allowed to return France. This ended the possibility of any nexus between pope and exiled monarchy and anti-revolutionary forces of Europe against France and the Chances of internal division of France on the issue of religion also diminished. Apart from this, Napoleon Bonaparte also gave protection of Protestants and Jews.

6. An another major reform by Napoleon came in the field of education. In fact, during the rule of Directory itself, development of primary education was given due emphasis. Napoleon implemented a national policy of education. Even on this plan, the impact of this ideology of Napoleon was prevalent that the main aim of education is to produce good citizens and disciplined soldiers. In 1802, Lycees with adequate central control were established with the aim to develop disciplined citizens. Rules were also liberalized to open non-governmental Schools and catholic churches were inspired to make efforts in this direction. But, during the reign of Napoleon, adequate governmental activeness was not shown for development of primary education. Lycess were basically upper level secondary school for preparing pupils for the degree required for university admission. Military education was given more emphasis in school education and the impact of noble class kept rising in these schools. In 1806, Napoleon established an Imperial University in Paris under a new plan. This imperial university was such centrally sponsored educational institution as was presided over by a Grand-Master as the representative of the king. He used to inspect the governmental and non-governmental educational institutions of the entire kingdom and was a means of increasing governmental control over education system. Napoleon also promoted free scholarships, training and research work in the field of education.

Through these reforms, Napoleon provided a stable system to the people of France and gained popularity by addressing the problems of the people. Napoleon also established a huge empire in which, apart from France, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Ryne stateunion, Switzerland and Italy were included. He ruled over these regions with full authority and also appointed his relatives as the representative rulers/governors of these regions in order to maintain his supremacy over these regions.

DOWNFALL OF NAPOLEON

Opportunities created by the French Revolution Played a pivotal role in rise of Napoleon. Therefore, Napoleon called himself the son of the Revolution. But Napoleon adopted the principles of the French Revolution in an amended manner as per his own convenience after gaining the power to rule. Though, he adopted the principle of equality through various legal codes and practical aspects of governance. Ability was made the basis of appointment on various posts in France and Feudal differential treatment was abolished yet on many other issues/ fronts, Napoleon also adopted anti-revolution stand.

1. Though Napoleon adopted the principle of equality yet he did not completely implement this ideal in areas won by him. He promoted nepotism by appointing his relatives as the rulers of these regions. Furthermore, he governed these regions in such a manner that they can be maximum utilized in satiating the vested interests of France. 
2. Napoleon also negated a very important ideal of the French Revolution. This ideal was liberty. He put harsh control over press and writing in order to restrict the liberty to speak and express. He also did not grant this right to the regions he won though the right to freedom had been gaining ground in the entire Europe after the French Revolution. He also negated the main basis of the French Revolution i.e. rule of the people by promoting the policy of centralization of power. 
3. He also did not accept the other ideals of the Revolution whether it was fraternity or the right to self decision making of all nations.  
4. The clear example of negation of the right to self decision of nations was the continental system of Napoleon. In fact, Napoleon could not defeat England, the arch-rival of France because naval power of England was better than that of France. Thus, Napoleon issued many orders commanding his subordinate nations and other nations of Europe to boycott British products. But these European countries did not accede to this demand of Napoleon and continued their trade with England through smuggling. Spain and Portugal openly opposed this order of Napoleon. England also helped in continuation of this smuggling with the help of its powerful navy and saved its foreign trade. Because of this eccentric and adamant behavior of Napoleon, many countries of Europe became his enemy. In want of a powerful navy, Napoleon could not succeed in blockading the economy of England through his continental system. 
5. The exploitative behavior of Napoleon with Spain also proved fatal for him. Though Spain acceded to the hegemony of France in 1795 but Napoleon wanted to merge it with France. By neglecting the augmenting nationalist feeling in Spain, Napoleon appointed his brother Joseph as the new ruler of Spain and abolished the rule of traditional Bourboun dynasty there. Aggrieved with this, the people of Spain started struggle against Napoleon. England also provided ample support to the people of Spain. Ultimately, after the continuous guerilla war for the five years, people of Spain succeeded in defeating the army of Napoleon. Napoleon had to face massive loss in the battle with Spaniards and the military glory of France got diminished in this war. 
6. However, the actual downfall in the power of Napoleon came after his attack on Russia. Napoleon accused Russia of violation of continental system, attacked Russia in 1812 and captured Moscow. But, this military expedition proved suicidal for Napoleon. His big army of five lakh soldiers reduced by half due to severe cold of Russia, diseases and lack of food and other essential things.

Failure of Russian expedition caused severe damages to the military power of France. Russia, Prussia, Austria, Sweden and England also formed an alliance against France and defeated Napolean in the battle of Lipjig in 1813. In 1814, the allied forces also won aParis and Napoleon was sent to Alba island. Louis 18th was made the king of France.

Napoleon once again tried to test his luck and came to Paris once again on 1815 after absconding from Alba island. He once again usurped the throne with the help of his supporters and followers. But he was once again defeated by allied forces in 1815 in the battle of waterloo. He was sent to st. Helena island where he died in 1821. Louis 18th was once again made the king of France.

IMPACT AND EFFECT OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION

Though the French Revolution could not establish a permanent political system in France and with the kingship of Napoleon and subsequently Louis XVIII, monarchy was re-established in France yet the French Revolution deeply affected various areas viz. Politics, society, economy, religion, education, culture, ideology etc. New changes were witnessed not only in France but also in many other countries of the world. Some of the major impacts of the French Revolution are expatiated at the following points:-

1. The three major ideals of the French Revolution, liberty, equality and fraternity gradually became the political ideology of the world and even the basis of the U.N declaration of human rights are these three ideals.
2. Though feudalism was declining in other parts of Europe from the 15th Century onwards, the French Revolution played the decisive role in abolition of feudalism in France when the National Assembly terminated the prerogatives of the aristocracy.
3. The people of France got right to franchise through the French Revolution. Even, dictator like Napoleon established the legitimacy of his rule through referendum. Legal reforms initiated by Napoleon made if feasible for the common people to seek justice and theoretically all persons became equal before law. During the reign of Napoleon ability became the main ground for appointment on any post or for promotion. The existing administrative system of France has been developed mainly on the basis of the administrative system of Napoleon.
4. The French Revolution ended the principle of divine rights of monarch and paved the way to democracy.
5. The French Revolution also promulgated the principles of right to freedom and self decision making of nations, impact of which also came upon other countries of Europe. Under the influence of these principles, other countries of Europe opposed the despotism of Napoleon and ultimately succeeded in defeating him.
6. The French Revolution abolished the feudal economic system of France, adopted the policy of laissez faire and developed the capitalist economic system. This led to remarkable economic development of France.
7. Napoleon also made special efforts in the direction of economic reforms. Establishment of Bank of France, promotion to debt in lieu of securities, promotion to coins instead of paper currency, control over extravagance and corruption and reforms in the field of agriculture- through these initiatives, Napoleon improved the economic condition of France and ended the economic debacles created during the initial phases of the French Revolution.
8. The French Revolution also made major impact on education and culture. Education was emancipated from the control of church and was developed at national level. The nature of education was made secular. Under the modern education system, emphasis was given on abolition of hackneyed rituals, superstitions, shibboleths and malpractices and it was tried to develop the feeling of oneness and nationality among the people of France. Because of promotion to science, maths, higher education and research work, the education system in France developed asper the requirement of modern world and with the education of more and more people, the prospects to development of modern culture and civilization in France became brighter.