A gripping journey through the dramatic events and people that transformed France during the French Revolution.

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[00:00.20]In 1789, France stood at the edge of chaos.
[00:05.16]For years, the country had been ruled by kings who lived in splendor at the Palace of Versailles.
[00:11.94]Meanwhile, ordinary people struggled under heavy taxes, food shortages, and rising prices.
[00:18.56]The king, Louis XVI, seemed distant and uncertain.
[00:23.76]His wife, Marie Antoinette, was known for her lavish lifestyle, which made the public resentful.
[00:30.32]Discontent grew in the cities and countryside alike.
[00:33.72]The nobles and clergy, who made up the first and second estates, were mostly exempt from taxes, while the third estate, made up of commoners, carried the burden of the nation.
[00:45.10]Enlightenment ideas about liberty and equality were spreading, inspiring people to question the old ways.
[00:52.38]Angry crowds gathered, demanding change and an end to injustice.
[00:57.02]The country was plagued by debt and famine.
[00:59.80]Drastic action was needed.
[01:01.82]In the spring, Louis XVI called the Estates General, a meeting of representatives from all three estates, hoping to calm the unrest.
[01:10.50]But the meeting would soon trigger events he could not control.


In 1789, France stood at the edge of chaos. For years, the country had been ruled by kings who lived in splendor at the Palace of Versailles. Meanwhile, ordinary people struggled under heavy taxes, food shortages, and rising prices. The king, Louis XVI, seemed distant and uncertain. His wife, Marie Antoinette, was known for her lavish lifestyle, which made the public resentful. Discontent grew in the cities and countryside alike. The nobles and clergy, who made up the first and second estates, were mostly exempt from taxes, while the third estate, made up of commoners, carried the burden of the nation. Enlightenment ideas about liberty and equality were spreading, inspiring people to question the old ways. Angry crowds gathered, demanding change and an end to injustice. The country was plagued by debt and famine. Drastic action was needed. In the spring, Louis XVI called the Estates-General, a meeting of representatives from all three estates, hoping to calm the unrest. But the meeting would soon trigger events he could not control.

The French Revolution

Storm Clouds Over France