Learning Objective
- French Society During the Late Eighteenth Century
- The Outbreak of the Revolution
- France Abolishes Monarchy and Becomes a Republic
- Did Women have a Revolution?
- The Abolition of Slavery
- The Revolution and Everyday Life
- Conclusion
In 1789, Paris was in turmoil. Rumors of the King’s aggression spread, and citizens gathered, storming government buildings. The Bastille’s commander fell, prisoners were freed, and the despised symbol of royal power crumbled. Bread prices fueled protests, igniting a chain of events that ultimately led to the King’s execution in France.
French Society During the Late Eighteenth Century
- In 1774, Louis XVI became the ruler of France. The country was financially strained due to wars. France supported the American colonies in gaining independence from Britain.
- Taxes were raised to cover expenses, but the majority of the population—peasants—owned little land. Nobles and the Church held most of the land. The first two estates enjoyed privileges, while the third estate faced heavy taxes on everyday items like salt and tobacco.
The Struggle to Survive
As the population grew, so did the need for food. But grain production couldn’t keep up, causing bread prices to soar. Low wages widened the gap between rich and poor. Droughts and hail made things even worse for harvests.
A Growing Middle Class Envisages an End to Privileges
- In the 18th century, peasants revolted against taxes and food shortages. The third estate, including professionals like lawyers, gained education and new ideas. Emerging middle-class groups earned wealth through trade and textile manufacturing.
- They believed social position should be based on merit, not birth. Rousseau proposed a social contract, while Montesquieu advocated for dividing government powers. The USA adopted this model, but Louis XVI faced resistance to additional taxes.
The Outbreak of the Revolution
- In 1789, France faced economic challenges. The monarchy lacked the power to impose taxes directly. Louis XVI convened the Estates-General, where representatives from three estates debated tax proposals.
- The third estate, representing educated professionals, demanded equal voting rights. When denied, they protested and vowed to draft a constitution limiting the monarch’s powers.
- Amid rising bread prices and rumors of crop destruction, peasants rebelled. Louis XVI recognized the National Assembly and accepted constitutional checks on his authority. The Assembly abolished feudal obligations and taxes, leading to significant reforms.
France Becomes a Constitutional Monarchy
- In 1791, France adopted a constitution to limit the monarch’s powers. The constitution separated powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary, creating a constitutional monarchy.
- Citizens voted through electors, but only men over 25 who paid sufficient taxes could participate. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen established fundamental rights as inherent and inviolable, including life, speech, opinion, and equality under the law.
France Abolishes Monarchy and Becomes a Republic
- In 1792, France faced war with Prussia and Austria. The Marseillaise became the national anthem. While men fought, women cared for families. People demanded more rights beyond the 1791 Constitution.
- Jacobins, including artisans and workers, formed a successful political club. They wore striped trousers and were called sans-culottes. In 1792, they stormed the Tuileries Palace, leading to a republic. Louis XVI was executed for treason.
The Reign of Terror
- During the Reign of Terror from 1793 to 1794, France witnessed a period of intense upheaval. Robespierre considered anyone an enemy of the republic and had them arrested, tried, and often guillotined.
- The guillotine, named after Dr. Guillotin, was a gruesome device used for beheading. Laws were enacted to control wages and prices, while rationing affected meat and bread.
- The use of expensive white flour was prohibited. Equality was emphasized through language: all French men and women were addressed as Citoyen and Citoyenne (Citizen). In July 1794, Louis XVI was convicted, arrested, and executed by the guillotine for treason.
A Directory Rules France
After the Jacobin government fell, wealthier middle classes took control. The new constitution excluded non-propertied people from voting. It established two elected legislative councils and a Directory with five executives. Napoleon Bonaparte emerged as a military dictator during this period.
Did Women have a Revolution?
- Women in France actively participated in the revolution.
- They faced challenges: working, lack of education, and lower wages.
- Women formed political clubs and demanded equal rights.
- Laws improved their lives: compulsory schooling, legal divorce, and business opportunities.
- During the Reign of Terror, women’s clubs were banned.
- Finally, in 1946, French women won the right to vote.
The Abolition of Slavery
- Jacobin regime: Abolished slavery in French colonies.
- 17th century: Slave trade began; slaves transported to the Caribbean.
- Slave labor: Met European demand for sugar, coffee, and indigo.
- 1794: Convention freed all slaves in French overseas territories.
- Napoleon: Reintroduced slavery after a decade.
- 1848: Slavery abolished in French colonies.
The Revolution and Everyday Life
In 1789 France, significant changes occurred in the lives of people. Censorship was abolished, granting freedom of expression. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen emphasized freedom of speech and press, allowing diverse viewpoints. Plays, songs, and festive processions drew large crowds.
Conclusion
In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte declared himself Emperor of France. He implemented laws safeguarding private property and established a decimal system for weights and measures. However, his defeat at Waterloo in 1815 marked the end of his reign. The French Revolution’s legacy lies in the ideals of liberty and democratic rights, which inspired colonized peoples to forge their own sovereign nation-states.
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