The French Revolution marked a major turning point in modern European history, bringing an end to the 'Ancien Régime' (Old Regime).

It successfully overthrew the absolute monarchy and dismantled the system of feudal privileges for the nobility and clergy in France.

Its ideals of 'Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity' inspired revolutionary and democratic movements across the world.

The revolution championed the concept of popular sovereignty, the idea that political power comes from the people.

It was a catalyst for the rise of nationalism, as it promoted the idea of a nation-state based on a unified citizenry rather than a monarch.

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen became a foundational text for modern concepts of human rights and democracy.

The administrative and legal reforms of the revolution, consolidated under Napoleon, shaped the modern, centralized French state.

It demonstrated that a powerful, established order could be overthrown by popular action.

The revolution also has a complex and dark legacy, particularly the violence of the Reign of Terror.

It set the political agenda for much of the 19th century, with conflicts between conservative forces and those of liberalism and nationalism.