The French Revolution remains one of the most seismic events in human history—a thunderous clash of ideals, class, and chaos that reshaped the political landscape of Europe and inspired revolutions around the world. But amidst the cries of Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité, a lesser-known story unfolds—one that links the people of Ireland to the revolutionary fervour in France.
So, when was the French Revolution? And more intriguingly, what role did Ireland and Irish figures play in the drama that unfolded between 1789 and 1799?
In this blog, we’ll explore the timeline, causes, key figures, and long-term effects of the revolution, while weaving in the Irish connections that history books too often overlook.
📅 When Did the French Revolution Start and End?
The French Revolution officially began on July 14, 1789, with the storming of the Bastille, a medieval fortress and prison in Paris. This act became the symbol of the people’s revolt against tyranny.
The revolution is widely considered to have ended in November 1799, when Napoleon Bonaparte seized power in a coup d’état known as the 18th Brumaire.
So in short:
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Start: July 14, 1789
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End: November 9, 1799
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When was the French Revolution timeline? Spanning over a decade, with phases such as:
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The National Assembly (1789–1791)
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The Legislative Assembly (1791–1792)
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The National Convention & Reign of Terror (1792–1795)
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The Directory (1795–1799)
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🇮🇪 Ireland and the French Revolution: An Unlikely Brotherhood
Ireland’s struggle for freedom was deeply inspired by the events of the French Revolution. The ideals of democracy, anti-monarchism, and the overthrow of oppressive regimes resonated powerfully with Irish nationalists—especially those who formed the United Irishmen, led by figures like Theobald Wolfe Tone.
✊ Wolfe Tone and the French Connection
Tone, a Protestant barrister from Dublin, is often referred to as the father of Irish republicanism. He saw in France a kindred spirit: a nation breaking free of aristocratic and colonial chains. In 1796, he famously sought military aid from the French Directory, convincing them to send a fleet to Ireland in hopes of sparking a full-scale rebellion.
While the Bantry Bay expedition ultimately failed due to severe storms, it marked a powerful chapter in Franco-Irish revolutionary solidarity.
“To subvert the tyranny of our execrable government, to break the connection with England, the never-failing source of all our political evils…” – Wolfe Tone
Other Irish Connections:
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Napoleon Bonaparte later acknowledged the value of Irish fighters, integrating them into his Irish Legion.
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Irish expatriates, including Rebel priest William Jackson, acted as go-betweens for revolutionary France and Ireland.
🧠 What Were the 5 Causes of the French Revolution?
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Economic Crisis: France’s involvement in costly wars, including the American Revolution, left it financially crippled.
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Inequality: The Three Estates system unfairly burdened the Third Estate (commoners) with taxes.
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Enlightenment Ideas: Thinkers like Rousseau, Voltaire, and Locke influenced people to question divine right and absolute monarchy.
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Weak Monarchy: Louis XVI’s indecisiveness and extravagance deepened public anger.
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Food Shortages: Famine and high bread prices caused civil unrest, particularly among the urban poor.
What was the immediate cause of the French Revolution?
The financial collapse of the government and the failure of reforms in the Estates-General of 1789, triggering mass mobilisation and eventually violence.
⚔️ Who Was Involved in the French Revolution?
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Revolutionaries: Commoners, bourgeoisie, and radical groups like the Jacobins and Sans-culottes.
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Royalty: King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, both executed by guillotine.
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Foreign Powers: Britain, Austria, and Prussia all opposed the revolution and later went to war with France.
Who led the French Revolution?
There was no single leader, but key figures included:
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Maximilien Robespierre (Jacobins)
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Georges Danton
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Jean-Paul Marat
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Later: Napoleon Bonaparte
🕊️ What Were the Three Words the French Revolution Stood For?
Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité
Translation: Liberty, Equality, Brotherhood
These ideals formed the moral backbone of the revolution and became the national motto of modern France.
What was the main aim of the French Revolutionaries?
To abolish the monarchy, establish a republic, and guarantee the rights of man—including freedom of speech, religion, and the right to participate in government.
📉 What Ended the French Revolution?
The revolution ended when Napoleon Bonaparte, a popular general, overthrew the French Directory in 1799 and established the Consulate, marking the start of his authoritarian rule.
Ironically, the revolution that began with cries of democracy ended in dictatorship—though Napoleon did implement many revolutionary reforms, such as the Napoleonic Code.
Was Napoleon alive during the French Revolution?
Yes. He was a young officer during the early years and rose rapidly through the military ranks due to revolutionary turmoil.
📆 When Were the 3 French Revolutions?
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1789–1799: The original French Revolution (as discussed above)
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1830 (The July Revolution): Overthrew King Charles X and brought in the July Monarchy.
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1848 (The February Revolution): Led to the fall of the July Monarchy and establishment of the Second Republic.
🥇 Who Won the French Revolution?
In the short term: The radical republicans, who overthrew the monarchy.
In the long term: It’s complex. The revolution led to a series of governments:
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A republic
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A reign of terror
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A military dictatorship under Napoleon
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Then an empire
Still, its ideals outlived its chaos, and France—and much of Europe—was transformed forever.
🔄 What Happened After the French Revolution?
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Napoleonic Era: France became an empire under Napoleon.
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Spread of Revolutionary Ideas: Across Europe, and even influencing Irish rebellion movements.
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End of Feudalism: The revolution effectively ended the feudal privileges of the aristocracy in France.
Effects of the French Revolution included:
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Rise of secular governance
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Foundation of modern citizenship laws
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New political ideologies (liberalism, socialism, nationalism)
🇮🇪 Ireland After the French Revolution
Ireland would attempt its own revolution just a few years later, in 1798, with help from the French.
The United Irishmen Rebellion, inspired directly by revolutionary France, saw thousands take up arms to end British rule in Ireland. While the rebellion ultimately failed, it marked a turning point in Irish political thought.
Figures like Wolfe Tone, Edward Fitzgerald, and Napper Tandy became martyrs of Irish freedom, and their dreams echoed those of the French revolutionaries.
🇫🇷🇮🇪 Final Thoughts: A Shared Spirit of Resistance
The French Revolution wasn’t just a French affair. Its impact was global—and deeply Irish in ways many don’t realise. The courage, ideals, and fire of 1789 found echoes in the green fields of Ireland, where the fight for freedom would continue for centuries more.
So next time you wonder “When was the French Revolution?”, remember: it wasn’t just a date—it was a global shift in consciousness, and Ireland was right there, fists clenched, heart blazing.
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