A terrible famine raged through France in the years 1788-89. A large number of the subjects died of starvation. When the States General was holding its session at Versailles, Paris was wallowing in the most abysmal penury. The hungry and the naked people of France were crowding about in the metropolis looking for any employment which may come handy. They were under the impression that the monarch had stored up all the produce of France at his place. Therefore, they stormed the royal mansion of the crown at Versailles, and brought the king, the queen and their son to Paris. It was the beginning of the conflagration of Revolution. The king henceforth was in the custody of the unruly mob.

The French Revolution is a landmark in the history of the world. It became inevitable because certain forces in the country precipitated it. The chaotic condition of 18^th century France were really responsible for the eruption of French Revolution. This revolution tore the socio-political and economic condition of the country into shreds. The impact of this revolution was far more tremendous than that of the decline of the great Roman Empire.

The Reign of Terror was one horrifying face of the French Revolution. At the time of Reign of Terror in France, the conditions of the country were most appalling. The people revolted at many places and demanded the dissolution of the Commune. The episcopacy too showed signs of unrest. They were indulging in ugly demonstrations and revolts against the Civil Constitution of the clergy. The bitter opponents of the motherland or the allies were preparing to invade Paris. The internal conditions of France were chaotic, and the means to preserve peace were sadly lacking.

Exhibit 3.5
The Storming of the Bastille

Index

3.0 - Introduction
3.1 The Seven Years' War
3.2 Catherine the Great
3.3 The Industrial Revolution
3.4 The French Revolution
3.5 France as a Republic (1795 - 1799)
3.6 Napolean Bonaparte
3.7 Points to Remember

Chapter 4