The French Revolution began in 1789 and marked a major turning point in French and European history. The revolution was sparked by a combination of political, social, and economic grievances and transformed France from a monarchy ruled by the absolute rule of an entrenched aristocracy to a modern, secular republic. It saw the end of centuries of absolute monarchy, feudalism, and the privileges of a select few, and ushered in a period of political and social upheaval. At its core, the French Revolution represented a revolt against traditional power structures and a demand for equal rights for the common people. This was followed by a period of reign of terror, as the new government, led by Maximilien Robespierre, ruled by fear and violence in an effort to maintain control. Eventually, the period of terror ended, and the French Revolution culminated in the adoption of a new constitution and the establishment of a limited monarchy that would rule in tandem with a legislature and a judicial system. The French Revolution had long-reaching implications for the world at large, paving the way for the Napoleonic Wars, the rise of European nationalism, and the spread of revolutionary ideas across the world.