The French revolution took place to change the monarchy and take control of the government due to poor economic and political policies that existed. The monarchy had lacked dynastic legitimacy; thus, republicans demanded a regime based on popular sovereignty. Further, France had undergone international humiliation hence the need for revolution to change these circumstances in a future government. Republicans also demanded electoral reform where every person would feel protected under one government rule since the revolution claimed numerous lives in the fight for various changes to take place and the manner of governing. Several activities took place during the French revolution hence regarded as the turning point in embracing a new political system (Start of the French Revolution). Therefore, political motivations represent a route through which effective changes would occur in a community, and the French revolution spearheaded dynamic changes that later indicated success in France and the European continent. The aim of this paper entails assessing the implication of the French revolution to the modern social, cultural, economic, and political domains in European countries.
Workers’ Protests
Workers protested against changing political views while they demanded state assistance for their trade. In this protest, demonstrators marched through the streets of Paris to raise their concerns (Acemoglu et al. 3288). However, troops fired back due to continued congregations and protests, killing forty individuals (Start of the French Revolution). Despite this tragedy, individuals continued raising protests by blocking streets with sandbags, thus obstructing soldiers’ movements. Persistent demonstrations led to the crowd emerging victorious. This was witnessed when the Chamber of Deputies selected a provisional government headed by nine republicans. Consequently, this led to the abolishment of slavery, hence commemorating a new era of inclusivity and liberty (Start of the French Revolution). Politically, monarchs came to an end, and King Louis-Philippe’s sons were exiled hence the freedom of republicans. Society was much interested in political and civil rights, especially freedom of the press and forming associations. This would lead to a democratic and social republic where ordinary people attained collective rights. Society believed that the government was responsible for providing employment during the economic crisis as well as encouraging and subsidizing workers’ organizations.
Effects of the Acquisition of Power
The acquisition of political power affected the French revolution among various groups. People had different perspectives since they were divided into sets pushing for dissimilar changes. The individuals were moderate republicans and socialists; each was interested in political life (Start of the French Revolution). This led to the closure of industries due to a lack of credits. Countless individuals were left unemployed as a result of shortage of funds. Therefore, political interest was perceived to cause insufficient capital, thus raising concern in society (Acemoglu et al. 3288). To overcome this situation, it was necessary to form one government between these individuals since numerous workers went to Paris every day to look for work. In return, the provisional government opened a national workshop whereby unemployed individuals were paid to repair roads and level hills. Protestants pushed for more reforms in working conditions since individuals raised issues regarding the government supporting unemployed workers. Due to continued complaints, the government unified persons by restricting the workday to ten hours in Paris and twelve hours in the province.
The administration also established Luxembourg Commission responsible for studying working conditions. The political regime led to social institutions such as the existing gender hierarchy. For example, there was a constructive gender experience regarding the uprising hence benefiting from efficient political administration (Acemoglu et al. 3288). In Paris, women formed several clubs while several newspapers began to call for reforms such as women’s equality before the law, issues regarding oppression, the right to divorce, and the need for better working conditions. They were advocating for these issues to create a future government controlled by equality. Women were given an opportunity to raise their issues and became part of the government. This led to creating a new constitution where the republicans and socialists emerged victorious in several government positions. Therefore, it is clear that women had a positive experience in the revolution since numerous effects that took place had an impact on their representation. Despite the differences among republicans and socialists, merging for a common vision led to equality (Start of the French Revolution). Political power and interest brought issues that would later lead to reformations.
Long-Term Effects of the French Revolution
The French revolution arguably raised concerns about whether it would generate any long-term effects in the country and the respective European continent. Since the start of the French revolution, resistance hindered success. The provisional government faced competing demands since several issues were brought into concern, thereby making it difficult to maintain political stability. At first, individuals had harsh experiences, such that unmarried men were forced into the army while women were sent to work in the provinces. This led to rebellions concluding that the French revolution only had negative effects (Start of the French Revolution). At some point, political clubs were banned from leading, women were excluded from membership, and the Luxembourg Commission was disbanded. However, continued changes during the French revolution had a positive impact on France and the European continent (Start of the French Revolution). Over the summer, divisions within the French revolution revealed themselves and began to restructure. Regrouping acted as the base towards the long-term effect of the French revolution. The republicans and socialists pressed for advancements in the political regime for representation hence the need for togetherness.
Independence was marked by the formation of a republic state in France. This depicted that France would have its democracy and act for the interest of its people. As such, it had power in decision-making in instances such as partnering with other European nations to carry out activities such as business. The long-term effect was the establishment of citizenship and human rights principles with the aim of inclusivity. Society and workers enjoyed redistribution of the property hence personal ownership. French republic transformed successfully from the French revolution since it was able to incorporate values such as equality among its members. This served as a base towards establishing an independent government in the European continent (Acemoglu et al. 3288). All the upcoming European countries had a piece of knowledge about exercising democracy over their people. Democracy was significant in divisibility of power, thus enabling individuals to have freedom of expression at a different level in the state. Urban workers were entitled to employment, and price controls were placed on food.
Arguably, despite the harsh experiences suffered during the French revolution, a clear future in France and Europe was set. Acquisition of sovereignty and democracy changed the nature of life from expulsion of classes and creating equity, especially for the feminine gender (Merriman 54). Despite the loss of life, the objective of the French revolution was to change their country. Therefore, it had a positive sign since it has a well-defined legacy. Additionally, the European states became stronger since they had acquired democracy and sovereignty thus was responsible for their action. The significance of the French revolution remains intact despite the rise of negative effects, lives lost and heightened expenses. For instance, the French revolution marked the first-time workers in the region raised and demanded political rights. Public participation demonstrates the essence and urges for a change in the country and continent’s political, societal, and personal life (Start of the French Revolution). Additionally, the French revolution empowered social order and contractual relations hence enabling a modern era of total welfare (Merriman 54). Through democracy, representative institutions were made through the constitution where issues raised were to be solved.
In summary, the French revolution is considered the turning point of France and the European continent. The French revolution fostered optimal change in the political and economic practices and overviews in France and European states. This led to individuals attaining social rights, such as expressing themselves in the government. There were reforms in the working environment, such as eradicating slavery and creating equality among all individuals. Women were considered part of the society and government since reforms were made to unify the community. Employees were allowed to raise their concerns through creation of Acts, where they would examine their working conditions. There were employment opportunities due to the maintenance of the national workshop. The European continent regrouped under a conservative leader responsible for cooperating against enemies who tried to contradict their democracy and sovereignty. Therefore, since the start of the French revolution, numerous positive and negative effects have been witnessed. Acquiring democracy was the main theme in the French revolution. However, the experienced reforms depict how it was worth engaging in the revolution for a better future for the country and continent.
Works Cited
Merriman, John. A History of Modern Europe: From the Renaissance to the Present. Third, W. W. Norton and Company, 2009.
“The Start of the French Revolution. Popular Protest, Liberal Reforms, Regicide, and Revolutionary Politics and Society.”
Acemoglu, Daron, et al. “The Consequences of Radical Reform: The French Revolution.” American Economic Review, vol. 101, no. 7, 2011, pp. 3286–307. Crossref.