The French Revolution and the Aftermath

The French Revolution was a watershed moment in world history. It began in 1789 and ended in the late 1790s with the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. It is often best remembered for the Reign of Terror, during which time thousands of people were executed by guillotine. The revolution radically changed the nation’s political landscape and transformed out of touch institutions such as the monarchy and the feudal system. Although the revolution ended in 1799, France remained unsettled and several smaller riots and revolutions broke out over the course of the first half of the nineteenth century. This guide will explore the changes in France during the Revolution and its aftermath, and look at how these moments have been represented on stage.

Terminology

• Guillotine: A machine with a heavy blade, used for beheading people.
• Abdication: Formally giving up the throne and royal titles.
• Bourgeoisie: A social class, usually equivalent to the middle or upper middle class.

Key Dates & Events

• 1789 - The French Revolution begins with the storming of the Bastille.
• 1792 - The First French Republic is founded.
• 1793 - Louis XVI is executed in January and the same fate befalls his wife, Marie Antoinette, several months later.
• 1793 - The Reign of Terror begins under the leadership of Maximilien Robespierre. It continues until July 1794.
• 1799 - Napoleon Bonaparte establishes the new French Consulate and declares himself Napoleon I, Emperor of France.
• 1830 - The July Revolution forces the abdication of Charles X.
• 1832 - Two days of riots sweep through the capital city.
• 1848 - The final revolution takes place over the course of three days in February. Louis Phillippe I is forced to abdicate and flee to England. The Second French Republic begins.
• 1852 - Louis Napoleon Bonaparte ends the Second Republic and creates the Second French Empire, with himself as emperor.
• 1862 - Victor Hugo’s epic novel, Les Misérables is published.
• 1957 - The world premiere of Dialogues des Carmélites (in an Italian translation) opens at La Scala in Milan.
• 1985 - The first English language production of Les Misérables premieres at the Barbican Centre in London.
• 1995 - Doug Wright’s Obie Award-winning play Quills premieres.
• 1997 - The Scarlet Pimpernel opens on Broadway.