The French revolution was started in 1789.The First Republic was established in 1792 in the French Revolution, when the masses rebelled and overthrew King Louis XVI. However, Napoleon rose to power during Republican France's wars with other nations, and eventually seized the government in a coup in 1804, creating the First French Empire.

Introduction
France has a long history of monarchy which lasted for centuries. However, the country transformed into a republic after the French Revolution. In this response, we will discuss how France became a republic.

The French Revolution
The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799. It was triggered by the economic crisis, social inequality, and political corruption that plagued France at the time. The revolutionaries aimed to overthrow the absolute monarchy and establish a constitutional government that would guarantee the rights and freedoms of the people.

The National Assembly
In 1789, the Estates-General, a legislative body composed of representatives from the three estates of French society, was convened by King Louis XVI to address the country's financial crisis. However, the representatives of the third estate, who represented the common people, demanded that the Estates-General be transformed into a National Assembly with equal representation for all three estates.

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
In August 1789, the National Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which proclaimed the equality of all citizens before the law, the right to freedom of speech and religion, and the right to participate in government. This document became the foundation of the new French government.

The Reign of Terror
The French Revolution was not a smooth transition to republicanism. The period of the Reign of Terror, from 1793 to 1794, saw the rise of radical Jacobin leaders who sought to eliminate all opposition to the revolution. Thousands of people were executed, including King Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette.

The Directory
After the Reign of Terror, the National Convention established a new government called the Directory in 1795. This government was composed of five directors who held executive power and a two-chambered legislature. However, the Directory was plagued by corruption and inefficiency, and it failed to solve the economic and social problems facing France.

Napoleon Bonaparte
In 1799, a general named Napoleon Bonaparte seized power in a coup d'état and established a new government called the Consulate. Napoleon was a successful military leader who sought to restore order and stability to France. He eventually declared himself emperor in 1804, effectively ending the period of republicanism in France.

Conclusion
France became a republic through the French Revolution, which was triggered by social, economic, and political issues. The revolutionaries established a National Assembly, adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, and eventually overthrew the monarchy. However, the transition to republicanism was not smooth, and France experienced a period of violence and instability. Despite the setbacks, the French Revolution laid the foundation for modern democracy and human rights.