Was the French Revolution a Success?

Question

Was France better off before or after the revolution? What were the short and long ter effects of the revolution? Thank You! Oh and also what was the gov. after the revolution? Was it a constitutional monarchy?

Answer 1

You could argue both ways on this:

Yes
Yes, the French Revolution was a success in that it abolished the Ancien Régime and it's feudal practices in taxation and noble privileges. Before the Revolution, the majority of the French people were born into lives of misery with no hope of social or economic advancement; ever! The original goals of the Revolution: overthrowing the feudal order, and guaranteeing equal rights to all men, were for the most part realized.

The overthrow of the monarchy was not an original goal of the Revolution, despite what they teach in American schools. (I don't know why so many Americans think the French Revolution is a "model of the American Revolution"). The French revolutionaries originally sought to establish a Constitutional Monarchy, similar to Great Britain's, where the King would have limited powers but remain on the throne. Also, all hereditary positions would be abolished, and all men beneath the French King would be equal.

It was only with the Foreign threats against France and the collapse of the nation into paranoia that the Revolution descended into the September Massacres and the Reign of Terror and Robespierre. Despite this negative side of the Revolution, the original goals overthrowing the Ancien Régime and achieving Liberty for the citizens of France from feudalism had been realized.

No
No, the French Revolution was a failure as it sent the country into chaos and brought France into conflict with other European powers. This gave Napoleon Bonaparte the chance to rise to power, and eventually seized power through his position as a Consul and General, and declared himself Emperor. The Revolution only succeeded in overthrowing one Monarchy, and replaced it with another.

After France descended into chaos and paranoia, which eventually gave way to the September Massacres, the rise of Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety and the Reign of Terror, France was in need of a hero. Robespierre and the fanatical revolutionaries were eventually driven from power and executed, but France was still threatened by foreign powers. Napoleon Bonaparte successfully delivered France from it's enemies and protected the nation from further attacks. He gained great popularity from this, and was eventually able to use his popularity to seize power.

To answer your final question:

After the Revolution, France was Constitutional Monarchy in name. Although Napoleon, now the French Emperor, had great power and influence over France and its government. Napoleon did sanction the drafting of a Constitution, mostly to ease the fears of many Frenchmen that the nation would return to the society of the Ancien Régime.

Hope all this helps,
Peace!

Answer 2

The French Revolution was a great success.
France is much better off after the Revolution.
The short term effects of the Revolution were chaos and uncertainty. The long term effects of the Revolution were the establishment of a great Republic and a middle class.
The French revolutionaries beheaded the monarch, so no constitutional monarchy.
Liberty, Equality, Brotherhood was the motto.

Answer 3

Depends, if destroying the monarchy and setting up republic is the test then it succeeded. But like most revolutions it turned on itself through a reign of terror. What emerged was Napoleone Bonaparte, an emperor every bit as destructive as any king. He rose to power from his position of artillery officer who stopped the reign of terror using his guns to clear the streets of Paris.

Answer 4

Some time in 1950s, Zhou Enlai was asked what he thought of the French Revolution. He said, "it is too soon to tell".

Answer 5

It could be seen as a failure by most perspectives because the new regime was run by terroristic dictators with the sole goal of murdering anyone who got in their way. If murdering all of the wealthy class, spreading fear and injustice throughout the country, and murdering thousands without trial or just means of punishment is considered a failure, then yes, it was a failure.

Answer 6

The French Revolution was a model of the American Revolution.
Look where that got us.

Answer 7

Well they no longer have a king so yes I guess it is.