In the words of Gooch:
“The French Revolution is the most important event in the history of Europe.”
It affected the entire Europe and scholars began to say in the 19th century, when “France catches cold, all Europe sneezes.”
The following were the prominent characteristics of the French Revolution:
ADVERTISEMENTS:
1. It had no definite date of its origin. Some scholars opine that 5th May 1789 was the date of its outset because on that day the session Estates General began but some others hold opinion that 14th July 1789 was the probable date of its outburst when the fall of the fort of Batilles took place.
2. Generally it is said that the revolution was originated by the intellectuals but this opinion also does not hold water. The thought of revolution already existed among the people, but the philosophers propagated the idea in a forceful manner.
Hence the writers of the 18th century heralded the Revolution but they did not originate it.
3. The outburst of French Revolution was not a reason against the king as he was not the source of all the disorder and lawlessness in France. It was against the privileged classes who tortured and tormented the general masses.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
4. This revolution was led by the middle classes who had education and wealth both, but were dissatisfied with their lot and felt envious of the privileged classes.
But the question arises why this revolution sprang up in France when the condition of most of the countries of Europe was similar to France or even worse. Fergusson writes:
“The French people were the first whom a sense of injustice and a desire for reform goaded into action but the reason for this was not that the French were the most brutally governed or the most unhappy nation but rather that they were the most enlightened and most eager for reforms.”
D. M. Ketelbey also affirms this view in these words: “It must not be forgotten, however, that high standard of the French civilization was no less a factor in the Revolution than these abuses.”