Key topics discussed within the book include: The structure of French society before 1789. The long- and short-term factors that contributed to the French Revolution. How ordinary French people, including women and slaves, participated in the revolution. What brought about the end of the ancien régime. The major reforms of the National Assembly, 1789–1791, and how they lead to the division and radicalisation of the revolution. How the alternative visions of the new society divided the revolution and what were the internal and external pressures on the revolution that contributed to its radicalisation. The forms of terror which enabled reality to triumph over the idealism. The rise of Napoleon Bonaparte as military leader and Emperor. This book is an ideal introduction for anyone wishing to learn more about this influential revolution in the shaping of modern Europe and the world. About the Author Darius von Güttner is Dean at the Faculty of Education and Arts, Canberra Campus, Australian Catholic University. Darius is also a frequent and much valued presenter at HTAV professional learning events and co-author of HTAV’s French Revolution Study & Exam Guide.
