Midterm Tasks in History - Essay Example

The French revolution was an instrumental thing to have occurred in the world. The revolution set out several goals that transformed France and Europe in myriad ways. However, during the same period, there were challenges and obstacles during the revolutionary process. The goals set out in 1789 were a reason for prosperity and success enjoyed in France and Europe over the period.

The challenges experienced in the country led to various goals. One such goal was the meeting of the estates general. The meeting was a significant thing, as it had not taken place for over two centuries. The meeting took place at Versailles on May 5, 1789. The success of the goal was the creation of a national assembly. As a result, it was a success as the event laid a foundation for the creation of a new constitution.

Secondly, the revolts led to various changes in France. The revolts broke out in the name of saving the third state from Louis XVI. Later, the revolts engaged in addressing the ineffective land-holding system. In addition, the revolts led to fear among the citizens, and many formed a militia fearing attack from foreign troops. However, the fear created helped in influencing the national assembly in instituting crucial reforms. The nobility passed momentous reforms in the national assembly. For example, the assembly passed a declaration of the rights of man. Consequently, there was a spread of liberal beliefs in the country. For example, there was access to public office, an end to exemptions from taxation, and the people were allowed to take part in making laws. Moreover, there was a guarantee of the freedom of speech and the press.

Moreover, the march to Versailles was instrumental. The march resulted from the king's failure to return to Paris he was against changes. The march largely comprised women. The march forced the king to accept a new decree by the national assembly. The king returned to Paris and feudalism was abolished as well as the Declaration of rights.

The other significant issue was the process of overcoming the enemies of the revolution. The effect was the setting of revolutionary courts for trying the enemies of the revolution. This came to be known as the Reign of terror. The consequence was the creation of more space for the church as they were given a place to reopen. Moreover, there was a passage of a new constitution and the establishment of a national legislative assembly.

The other significant step was the coup d’état. A general known as Napoleon Bonaparte led the coup. The revolution was a result, of corruption and ineffectiveness observed during the reign of terror. As a result, the coup led to the toppling of the existing authority. At this time, the influence of revolution was declining. However, he was inspired by the revolution. He dominated France for over two decades. His ascent to power led to various reforms in France and Europe. First, he led to stability in the country by negotiating with the enemy of the revolution. For example, he reconciled with the Catholic Church as the religion was recognized to be professed by a majority in France. Secondly, he led to the integration of various laws found in the country. For example, there was the establishment of the civil code that led to the preservation of gains of revolution such as the abolition of feudalism. On the other hand, his congest led to the establishment of the French empire. The empire expanded comprising mainly of French Empire and dependent and allied states.

In conclusion, the revolution was a success. The success was achieved as the revolution helped in overcoming various challenges in France. The outstanding success was the establishment of equality, equal treatment on the land issue, the establishment of the national assembly, and the expansion of the French empire.