The French Revolution began in 1789. Inspired by Enlightenment ideas as well as by the success of the American Revolution, the French sought to free their land from tyranny. They overthrew the absolute monarchy that had ruled them for centuries and overturned an outdated social system that had existed for a thousand years. The French Revolution ushered in the modern era of European politics.
Social unrest, economic troubles, and the desire for political reforms led to the French Revolution.
The National Assembly instituted political and social reforms in the moderate first stage of the revolution.
A radical phase of the revolution led to the monarchy's downfall and a time of violence known as the Reign of Terror.
Napoleon rose to power in France and built a vast empire that included much of Europe.