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The French Revolution transformed not only France but the entire modern world. Its principles — popular sovereignty, the rights of man, the nation-state, the rule of law — became the foundation of modern politics. Yet the revolution also bequeathed a legacy of political violence, ideological polarisation, and the tension between liberty and equality that has shaped political debate for over two centuries. This lesson synthesises the major historiographical debates and evaluates the revolution's enduring significance.
Key Definition: The legacy of the French Revolution refers to the lasting political, social, intellectual, and cultural consequences of the events of 1789–1815 — both within France and globally.
The French Revolution established revolution as a legitimate political instrument. Before 1789, revolution meant a cyclical return to an earlier state. After 1789, it meant the conscious transformation of society based on universal principles.
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