The French Revolution remains one of the crucial events of modern European and world history. The changes wrought in French society, politics, and the church have been commemorated and debated for more than 200 years. This book introduces students to the French Revolution through an historical and cultural overview, as well as the contextual framing of primary documents of ordinary people's experiences in the dramatic conflicts of 1789-1799. Most of the documents are first translations into English for a North American audience.

While a majority of sources on the French Revolution provide excerpts from formal documents, this volume reveals the deeper human level, offering immediate insight into everyday life. This is the perfect introduction to the Revolution, with many added-value features, including period illustrations, timeline, glossary, study questions directed toward the Advanced Placement European History exam, and a practical resource guide.