Weekly Writing Prompt 7 (Quarter 2): Lasting Effects of the French Revolution
Prompt: Explain why a historical event or development still matters today
The French Revolution was a signficant period in time which began around 1789 and lasted until 1799. The French Revolution contributed to several aspects of society today, including the idea of human rights. A primary effect of the French Revolution was that it abolished the monarchy and turned the people from subjects into citizen; it eventually incited the removal of monarchies across Europe. The French Revolution was a result of the denial of rights for the French people, and it has contributed to the fact that human rights is a significant inalienable right which a person possesses. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen - a product of the French Revolution - significantly contributed to the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, and several ideas embedded in the Declaration of the Rights of Man remain a significant aspect in society today, such as the right to own property. Furthermore, the French Revolution with its basis of human rights instigated South America's own revolutions which resulted in the creation of numerous independent Latin-American countries.
The French Revolution also inspired the fight for women rights and support for feminism, although it was not directly the cause for the fight of women rights, and the majority was actually fighting for the rights of men and neglected the female minorities. The French Revolution also led to the decline of church power, because religion was endeavored to be abolished during the Reign of Terror, and members of the clergy were executed and new calanders were created (Dechristianization of France During the French Revolution, 2012). The French Revolution also led to the spread of nationalism in Europe; specifically, it led to increased French nationalism. Democractic values and beliefs also rose from the French Revolution, and precedent for the French government was set by the French Revolution. In addition, the French Revolution also led to the abolishment of feudalism, and had a great impacts on the lives of peasants. As a result of the French Revolution, the middle class of society emerged, which is the majority class of society today. The French Revolution, in conclusion, was a significant historical event that set the stage for the development of several aspects of society today, and still matter a great deal.