French Revolution (1789)

The French Revolution, beginning in 1789, fundamentally reshaped political thought and governance by introducing the concept that legitimate government derives from the consent of the governed. Its iconic ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity became an enduring political slogan and were disseminated across Europe through the Napoleonic Wars. This pivotal shift away from absolute monarchy, exemplified by the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, laid the groundwork for modern democratic movements and challenged established hierarchies globally. The revolution's impact extended beyond France's borders, inspiring subsequent movements for greater individual freedoms and national self-determination, though its radical phase also led to widespread instability and violence.