The French Revolution was sparked by social inequalities and unfair taxation under the absolute monarchy of King Louis XVI. As Enlightenment ideas spread of natural rights and checks on power, discontent grew, exacerbated by famine. This led the people to storm the Bastille prison in 1789 and declare rights of man. The revolution grew increasingly radical as fear of invasion took hold, culminating in the Reign of Terror where thousands were guillotined. Eventually moderates took power and established order, though the weak government was overthrown by Napoleon, who crowned himself emperor. The revolution spread democratic ideals across Europe and nationalism grew in its wake.