One of the most momentous events in modern history, the
French Revolution was caused by the interaction of long-term, structural problems associated with the Ancien Regime, new Enlightment ideas that challenged the old order and a short term financial and economic crisis that were exacerbated by an hesitant and politically inept king (Louis XVI.
For a good introduction to the topic try looking at the following videos from a
History Channel documentary on the subject on You Tube. Parts 2, 3 and 4 are the ones to watch for events up to the storming of the Bastille.
And for an outline of events try looking at the
Spark Notes site on the Revolution.
Here is an entertaining video on Napoleon that raises some interesting questions about his life and career with a nice dose of humour too!
