During the late 18th Century, a series of political, social, cultural, and economic issues reached breaking point, exploding in what is now known as the French Revolution. This unprecedented event affected not just France, but the rest of the world - reinventing centuries-old approaches to society, and introducing Europe to brand new ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity. But how did France reach the tipping point that triggered the Revolution? Is it the most important event in Western history? And how did a movement founded on such noble principles, descend into one of the bloodiest periods in history?

This is Part 1 of a special two-part Short History Of the French Revolution.

Written by Nicola Rayner. With thanks to Professor Marisa Linton, historian and author of ‘Choosing Terror; Virtue, Friendship, and Authenticity in the French Revolution’.

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