Legacy of the French Revolution for the Peoples of the World during the Nineteenth Century

Legacy of the French Revolution for the Peoples of the World during the Nineteenth Century

(i) The French Revolutionary ideas of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity became inspiring ideals that motivated political movements in the world in the 19^th and 20^th centuries. The social and political changes that took place all over Europe can be traced to the French Revolution.

(ii) The idea of Liberty expressed in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen laid the foundation of a new social order. Liberty, political and personal became a universal creed.

(iii) Personal liberty led to the abolition of serfdom and freed the peasantry from the tyranny of the landed aristocracy and the church. It brought in the age of capitalism.

(iv) Political liberty of democratic rights found expression in abolition of privileges and despotism of monarchs.

(v) The idea of the Equality led to the end of society based on privileges. It led to increasing recognition of the interests of the masses. All individuals had rights, became the new language of politics.

(vi) Another great legacy of the French Revolution was the idea of nationalism sovereignty of the people. The greatest effect was starting of mass movements all over the world. This was the potent force in reshaping the boundaries of Europe and South America.

(vii) The Revolution acted as a guiding force for the peoples of colonies like India.

Even to this day the forces let loose by the French Revolution are powerful and are working the destinies of the nations of the world.