The French Revolution introduced democratic ideals to France. It began when King Louis XVI called a meeting of the French national assembly to win support for new taxes. Commoners in the assembly revolted and seized control of the government. They adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. This document set forth the principles of human liberty and the rights of individuals. The French nobles gave up most of their titles and special privileges.<NP> During the revolution, Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, were beheaded. Thousands of others were executed during a period known as the Reign of Terror. The revolution ended when Napoleon Bonaparte, a successful general, seized control of France.
