French Revolution

Gemma Betros examines the problems the Revolution posed for religion, and that religion posed for the Revolution.

Already rocked by defeats in the War of the Spanish Succession, Louis XIV’s France faced economic meltdown as the chaotic nature of its finances became apparent. Guy Rowlands discovers striking parallels with the current credit crunch as he charts the crisis that was to lead, ultimately, to the French Revolution.

Richard Cavendish charts the life of Robespierre, who was born on May 6th, 1758.

Marisa Linton reviews the life and career of one of the most vilified men in history.

Richard Ballard looks at how events in the opening years of the French Revolution took shape in a town three days’ journey from Paris.

Graham Goodlad assesses the success of British governments in responding to the demands of war, from the French Revolutionary conflict to the 1914-18 struggle.

Louis XVI was born on August 23rd, 1754, in the palace of Versailles.

The essay entitled 'How important was the press in the desacralisation of the French monarchy in 1789?', by Olivia Grant of St Paul's Girls' School, was awarded the Julia Wood Prize out of 136 entries. An edited version appears below; a second award was made to Richard Eschwege of City of London School for an essay on Pope Gregory VII.

John Spiller shows that, in constitution-making in the USA (1787-89), France (1789-92) and Great Britain (1830-32), some men were considered more equal than others.

William Doyle discusses traditional and revisionist interpretations of the downfall of the Kings of France, arguing that notions of a 'desacralised monarchy' are inadequate to explain what happened.

Andrew Matthews examines three new books on key themes in modern history.  

John Dunne signposts main landmarks and current directions in the historiographical debate.

Philip Mansel looks at a definitive study of ancien regime politics.