The French Revolution, a people's revolution against the ruling class that began on May 5, 1789, would become the model for countless other revolutions around the world. The swift success with which the lower classes were able to rise up and take control of their country was inspiring to those who felt there was no hope of freedom from oppression. But how smooth was the French Revolution actually, and how effective was it in ringing in a new era of freedom in France? After all, any total upheaval of a society is bound to get messy.
So, what really happened during and following the French Revolution? Read on to find out.