The term references a period of radical social and political upheaval in late 1700s France. Students studying United States history, particularly for the APUSH exam, need to understand this event’s causes, key figures, major events, and its impact on subsequent historical developments, including its influence on revolutionary movements worldwide and its connection to events within early American history.
Knowledge of this period is crucial for understanding the ideological foundations of many later revolutions and social movements. Comprehending its origins, encompassing economic inequality, Enlightenment ideals, and political mismanagement, provides crucial context for analyzing revolutions across the globe. Further, an understanding allows students to better grasp the context in which early American foreign policy developed, particularly regarding neutrality and alliances.