What events led to the French Revolution?
During the 1700s France was not prosperous. The government was short of money and needed to raise taxes. Louis XVI could only do this by recalling a traditional assembly, which promptly demanded political reforms. He responded by trying to dismiss the assembly, but the citizens in Paris revolted in support of the assembly.
The new National Assembly showed its strength by introducing fresh laws in 1791, insisting on freedom and equality. The royal family was imprisoned for a while, then tried and executed.
What was the Reign of Terror?
The French Revolution was opposed by neighbouring countries that feared that unrest would spread across Europe. A Committee of Public Safety was set up in trance to defend the revolution, and they executed any person who might oppose the committee.
This period became known as the Reign of Terror. It lasted for about a year, and during this time around 18,000 people were put to death. The French aristocracy was almost entirely wiped out, together with any political opponents of the regime. The Reign of Terror finally came to an end when the head of the Committee of Public Safety, Robespierre, was accused of treason.
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