the french revolution. pivotal event of 18 th century transformed social values & political...
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THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
PIVOTAL EVENT OF 18TH CENTURY
Transformed social values & political systems
Replaced old regime with modern society
Slogan = “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”
Bloody conflicts presented dilemma of means vs. ends
THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
ORIGINS
Louis XVI not particularly capable
Marie Antoinette perceived as frivolous & callous
Incompetence of French monarchy
Louis XVI (r. 1774-1792)
Marie Antoinette
THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
ORIGINS
Enlightenment & public opinion
Philosophes highly critical of existing system
• But not revolutionary
Underground literature more subversive
• Portrayed aristocracy as decadent & monarchy as ridiculous despotism
THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
ORIGINS
Fiscal crisis of French government
Huge war debt
Tax exemptions of elite = insufficient revenues
Incompetence of system
THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
ORIGINS
Desire for institutional change
Estates General called in 1789
THIRD ESTATE = driving force of Revolution
• King insisted on vote “by order”
• Delegates of 3rd Estate wanted vote “by head”
THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
ORIGINS
The Estates General: 1789
3rd Estate refused to meet separately
Proclaimed itself the NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Took “TENNIS COURT OATH”
King recognized Assembly, ordered other Estates to join it
THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
THE CONVERGENCE OF REVOLUTIONS
Masses mobilizing over issues of basic subsistence
Faced severe economic difficulties
Suspicious of aristocrats
STORMING OF THE BASTILLE: July 14, 1789
Finance Minister Jacques Necker dismissed
THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
THE CONVERGENCE OF REVOLUTIONS
Spread of revolt
Cities set up revolutionary governments & militias
Revolt in countryside: THE GREAT FEAR
Peasants attack noble landlords & manors
THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
THE CONVERGENCE OF REVOLUTIONS
Night of August 4: Assembly deputies renounce privileges, appease peasants
Issue “Declaration of the Rights of Man & Citizen”
Men equal in rights
Sovereignty of nation against king or any other
Authority of legitimate law supreme Liberty defined as ability to do whatever does not harm another