HIST 222 The French Revolution The French Revolution marks the beginning of modern history, and has profoundly affected western society and culture. Endlessly debated since its outbreak in 1789, it has served as beacon for some, travesty for others, and artistic inspiration for many. In this course, we will seek to understand the Revolution's causes, democratic and egalitarian promise, failures, and impact, exploring the birth pains of modern politics and some of their more intriguing cultural aspects, through the study and analysis of primary sources.