What major political change did the French Revolution promote?

Prepare for the OSAT Middle Level Social Studies Test. Study with interactive flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Ace your exam today!

The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a significant turning point in history that fundamentally altered the political landscape of France and later influenced global political thought. The correct choice highlights the Revolution's primary outcome: the end of the French monarchy.

Prior to the Revolution, France was under the absolute rule of King Louis XVI, and the monarchy symbolized the old order, known as the Ancien Régime, which kept power centralized and largely unaccountable to the populace. The Revolution sought to dismantle this system, advocating for principles such as liberty, equality, and fraternity, which questioned the legitimacy of monarchial rule. The Revolution ultimately led to the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic, profoundly changing governance in France.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the outcomes of the Revolution. Instead of increasing monarchial power or establishing an absolute dictatorship, the Revolution inspired the people to seek a government that represented their will rather than a monarchy that had ruled with divine right. Additionally, the French Revolution moved away from feudal systems; it abolished feudal privileges and sought to promote rights for all citizens rather than a return to archaic structures of power based on hierarchy and land ownership.

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