what was the french revolution?
French Revolution. For other uses, see French Revolution (disambiguation). The French Revolution (French: RÃ©volution franÃ§aise [ÊevÉlysjÉÌ fÊÉÌsÉËz]) was a period of far-reaching social and political upheaval in France that lasted from 1789 until 1799, and was partially carried forward by Napoleon during the later expansion of the French Empire.