The Storming of the BastilleOverview of the French RevolutionThe French Revolution took place from 1789 to 1795, but some argue that it lasted until 1799. King Louis XVI was crowned after the 7 Years' War which engulfed the France in economic debt and led to the increase of corruption. The king's ignorance led to an increase in the privileges enjoyed by the nobles and the rich. Years of bad or no harvests led to unrest in France as the rich enjoyed their position in society while the poor suffered. The people were divided into three different classes known as estates, namely the third estate – the proletariat, the second estate – the clergy and the first estate – the aristocrats or monarchs. All of this led to a riot in 1789 that began peacefully, but the real revolution began with “The Storming of the Bastille” where revolutionaries took control of a prison fortress in Paris. This was the beginning of a struggle that led to the breakup of the third estate to form the National Assembly. This was instrumental in bringing together the Citizens' Bill of Rights which brought together the idea that all classes were equal. External threats also shaped the revolution with France having to face Austria and Prussia and beat them at the Battle of Flerus which found that the king had been in coalition with the enemy the entire time. This led to him facing a trial alongside the queen and subsequently their execution. The result was the rise of another dictatorship: Napoleon Bonaparte. It threw the country back into war with the economy sinking to its lowest point soon after the revolution, in July 1789, hot dry midday, people marching with everything they had. They couldn't stand it any longer, all these years of hard work, all these years of suffering, just to serve the... medium of paper... suitable for all classes. Lower taxes and food prices were introduced. And most importantly, I got married on this day. Yes, and she was the baker across the street who also fought in the army alongside me. I am happy with all of France and we hope for a better future for all of us. Arthur Bernard, A WoodcutterNovember 1799It has been 5 long years since I found any use for this book, believing that the revolution would bring change and we would be happy. Now I'll make a comparison: was it better with a king? A terrible economy and crime rates loom over us again, and people are uneasy about war in general. Because if another revolution happens, this time I will be watching. In the meantime I will travel with Annabelle to England, hoping for a better future for our daughter. Arthur Bernard, No Longer a Revolutionary Srikar Nekkanti 8/4 Word Count - 1413