French Revolution

The French Revolution of 1789 to 1799 was an event of global significance and one of the defining political events of the modern age. The revolution was also important in social and economic terms with reference to its causes, direction, and consequences. It arose from a fiscal and political crisis in 1788 and 1789, took a leftward shift in the years between 1792 and 1795, and provoked revolutionary wars and counterrevolutionary struggles in Europe and beyond. The legacy of the revolution lives on in the 21st century in the language and practices of revolutionary politics. The rallying cry of “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity” retains much of its power to mobilize poor and disenfranchised constituencies.