The French Revolution is so important to study because the issues of the people are still discussed and disputed today. The desires of the revolution, “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity” are ideals many societies are still striving toward. Democratic revolutions continue to occur throughout this world. Studying revolutions can give insight into methods that support revolutionary movements and the potential problems and threats that often thwart these attempts.
The revolution also reveals the resentments and intense feelings of injustice when a segment of society feels as if their voice is not being heard. The third estate represented a large portion of the population, however, they felt that their lack of money and title shut them out of the political process. These feelings are often echoed in our modern world, feeling disenfranchised can cause the powerless to rise up and demand more.
The French Revolution also reflects the problem of violence leading to more violence. What began as a group of righteous and determined revolutionaries quickly fell into the hands of a corrupt and violent minority of men. Revolutions can change and the intentions of the leaders can be deceiving. Robespierre and the Reign of Terror show that the unstable nature of change can cause chaos and bloodshed. Radicalization can occur in a subtle manner and destroy the initial aims of a movement.
Napoleon’s rise to power illustrates the means by which a charismatic and decisive figure can gather the power to control a people. When people become desperate, dictators can rise up.
Studying this period of intense change illuminates that gaining representation and a voice in one’s country can be difficult and costly. The democratic promises and ideals born into our nation take time and sacrifice in other parts of the world. The push toward more freedom and equality will undoubtedly continue. Thus, learning about the history of such uprisings can teach us about how future societies might react to such circumstances.
The revolution also reveals the resentments and intense feelings of injustice when a segment of society feels as if their voice is not being heard. The third estate represented a large portion of the population, however, they felt that their lack of money and title shut them out of the political process. These feelings are often echoed in our modern world, feeling disenfranchised can cause the powerless to rise up and demand more.
The French Revolution also reflects the problem of violence leading to more violence. What began as a group of righteous and determined revolutionaries quickly fell into the hands of a corrupt and violent minority of men. Revolutions can change and the intentions of the leaders can be deceiving. Robespierre and the Reign of Terror show that the unstable nature of change can cause chaos and bloodshed. Radicalization can occur in a subtle manner and destroy the initial aims of a movement.
Napoleon’s rise to power illustrates the means by which a charismatic and decisive figure can gather the power to control a people. When people become desperate, dictators can rise up.
Studying this period of intense change illuminates that gaining representation and a voice in one’s country can be difficult and costly. The democratic promises and ideals born into our nation take time and sacrifice in other parts of the world. The push toward more freedom and equality will undoubtedly continue. Thus, learning about the history of such uprisings can teach us about how future societies might react to such circumstances.