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The French Revolution: Louis XVI, Estates General, and the Tennis Court Oath for Kids

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The French Revolution: Louis XVI, Estates General, and the Tennis Court Oath for Kids
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Siri Gowda

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The French Revolution was sparked by severe debt, inequality, and political mismanagement. Louis XVI's impact on French debt was significant, exacerbated by his wife Marie Antoinette's extravagant spending. The role of the Estates General in the French Revolution was crucial, as its calling led to the formation of the National Assembly and the Tennis Court Oath, marking the beginning of revolutionary change. The revolution officially began with the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, followed by significant reforms and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen.

  • Key factors leading to the French Revolution:
  • Severe national debt from previous rulers' wars and mismanagement
  • Inequitable tax system favoring the nobility and clergy
  • Political and economic frustrations of the Third Estate
  • Influence of Enlightenment ideas
  • Food shortages and high prices

3/7/2023

271

French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

View

The Civil Constitution of the Clergy and Religious Reforms

One of the most controversial actions taken by the National Assembly was the passage of the Civil Constitution of the Clergy in 1790. This legislation aimed to reorganize the Catholic Church in France and bring it under state control.

Key aspects of the Civil Constitution of the Clergy:

  1. Reduction in the number of bishops and redistribution of dioceses
  2. Election of bishops and priests by local assemblies
  3. Requirement for clergy to take an oath of loyalty to the state

Vocabulary: Civil Constitution of the Clergy - A law passed during the French Revolution that subordinated the Roman Catholic Church in France to the French government.

These reforms were met with significant resistance from many members of the clergy and devout Catholics. The Pope condemned the Civil Constitution, leading to a schism within the French Catholic Church between those who accepted the new system (constitutional clergy) and those who refused (refractory clergy).

The religious reforms had far-reaching consequences:

  • Deepened divisions within French society
  • Alienated many Catholics from the revolutionary cause
  • Contributed to the growing counterrevolutionary movement

Example: The town of Vendée in western France became a center of Catholic and royalist resistance to the revolution, leading to a brutal civil war in 1793.

The controversy surrounding the Civil Constitution of the Clergy highlighted the challenges faced by the revolutionary government in balancing radical change with traditional institutions and beliefs.

French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

View

The Storming of the Bastille and the Great Fear

The formation of the National Assembly and the Tennis Court Oath set in motion a series of events that would lead to the official start of the French Revolution.

Key events:

  1. Louis XVI initially supported the National Assembly but later wavered under pressure from the nobility.
  2. The king ordered 18,000 troops to march to Versailles, causing panic among Parisians who feared an invasion.
  3. On July 14, 1789, Parisians stormed the Bastille, a fortress and weapons depot, marking the beginning of the French Revolution.

Highlight: The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, is considered Day 1 of the French Revolution and is still celebrated as Bastille Day in France.

The aftermath of the Bastille incident:

  • The warden and mayor of Paris were killed.
  • Marquis de Lafayette arrived to restore order and created a militia to defend Paris.
  • The 18,000 troops sent by the king were ordered to return to Paris.

Following these events, a period known as the Great Fear began on July 14, 1789. During this time:

  • Peasants in the countryside stormed houses of the wealthy, burning books that recorded their debts and obligations.
  • The king ordered all representatives to join the National Assembly.

On August 4, the National Assembly issued the August 4 Decrees, which:

  1. Ended feudalism
  2. Abolished privileges for the wealthy
  3. Required the wealthy to pay taxes

Definition: August 4 Decrees - A series of decrees issued by the National Assembly that abolished the feudal system and the privileges of the nobility and clergy.

The Assembly also drafted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, inspired by England's Bill of Rights and America's Constitution. However, Louis XVI had not approved these documents by October, leading to continued unrest.

Example: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen established fundamental rights for all citizens, such as liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression.

French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

View

The End of the Monarchy and the September Massacres

The summer of 1792 marked a critical turning point in the French Revolution, culminating in the fall of the monarchy and a period of increased violence.

Key events:

  1. August 10, 1792: Storming of the Tuileries Palace

    • Parisian revolutionaries and provincial volunteers attacked the royal residence
    • Louis XVI and his family sought refuge with the Legislative Assembly
    • The Assembly voted to suspend the king's powers and call for a National Convention to decide on the future of France
  2. August 11-13, 1792: Abolition of the monarchy

    • The Legislative Assembly formally ended the monarchy
    • Louis XVI was imprisoned in the Temple fortress

Highlight: The fall of the monarchy on August 10, 1792, is often considered the end of the first phase of the French Revolution and the beginning of the more radical phase.

In the aftermath of these events, fear and paranoia gripped Paris as news of foreign armies advancing towards the capital spread. This led to one of the darkest episodes of the revolution:

  1. September 2-6, 1792: The September Massacres
    • Mobs attacked prisons in Paris, killing over a thousand inmates
    • Victims included priests, aristocrats, and common criminals
    • The massacres spread to other cities across France

Quote: From Jean-Paul Marat, a radical revolutionary journalist: "Let the blood of the traitors flow. That is the only way to save the country."

The September Massacres had profound consequences:

  • Deepened divisions within French society
  • Intensified the climate of fear and suspicion
  • Contributed to the radicalization of the revolution

These events set the stage for the establishment of the First French Republic and the beginning of the Reign of Terror, marking a new and more violent phase of the French Revolution.

French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

View

The Origins of the French Revolution

The French Revolution's roots can be traced back to the reigns of three key monarchs: Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI. Each of these rulers contributed to France's financial crisis that ultimately sparked the revolution.

Louis XIV's reign (1643-1715) was marked by costly wars and extravagant spending, culminating in the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. His successor, Louis XV (1715-1774), continued this trend of financial mismanagement. The Treaty of Paris in 1763 resulted in France losing its Canadian and Indian territories, further weakening the country's position.

When Louis XVI ascended to the throne in 1774, he inherited a nation deeply in debt. His reign was characterized by:

  1. Indifference and incompetence in leadership
  2. Lack of uniformity in laws, weights, measurements, and taxes across France's 300 provinces
  3. A population of 25 million, with 80% being peasants
  4. A privileged minority (1st and 2nd Estates) making up only 200,000 people

Highlight: The French Bourgeoisie, comprising the middle class, possessed "wealth without responsibility, intelligence without authority, and ability without recognition."

Various financial ministers attempted to address the crisis:

  • Turgot (1776)
  • Jacques Necker (1777)
  • Calonne (1787)
  • Brienne (1788)

These ministers proposed raising taxes on the 1st and 2nd Estates while lowering them for the 3rd Estate. However, their efforts were met with resistance from the nobility, who threatened rebellion unless an Estates-General meeting was called.

Vocabulary: Estates-General - A general assembly representing the three estates of French society: the clergy (First Estate), the nobility (Second Estate), and the commoners (Third Estate).

French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

View

The Estates-General and the Birth of the National Assembly

In response to mounting pressure, Louis XVI agreed to convene the Estates-General in May 1789, an assembly that had not met since 1614. This decision would prove to be a turning point in French history.

Key aspects of the Estates-General meeting:

  1. Each estate was to have 300 representatives, with the 3rd Estate allowed 600.
  2. Voting was to be conducted by estate, with each estate having one vote.
  3. Cahiers (lists of grievances) were to be discussed.

Definition: Cahiers - Lists of grievances compiled by each estate to be presented at the Estates-General meeting.

The inequity of the voting system became a major point of contention. Abbé Sieyès, a prominent figure of the time, published a pamphlet titled "What is the Third Estate?" In it, he argued that the Third Estate essentially represented the entirety of France, as they were the ones who:

  • Dug the canals
  • Sold at markets
  • Paid all the taxes
  • Comprised workers, bankers, doctors, and lawyers

The Third Estate, frustrated with the voting system, stalled the proceedings for six weeks. Eventually, some members of the First and Second Estates joined them, declaring themselves the National Assembly.

Quote: "We are the National Assembly. We will always be the National Assembly no matter where we meet until we solve France's financial crisis."

This bold move led to the famous Tennis Court Oath, where members of the newly formed National Assembly swore not to disband until they had established a new constitution for France.

Highlight: The Tennis Court Oath was a pivotal moment in the early stages of the French Revolution, demonstrating the resolve of the Third Estate and their allies to bring about significant political change.

French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

View

The National Assembly and Constitutional Monarchy

In the wake of the October Days, the National Assembly continued its work on reforming France's government. Key developments during this period included:

  1. The relocation of the royal family and the National Assembly to Paris, bringing them closer to the center of revolutionary activity.
  2. The continued debate and refinement of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen.
  3. The drafting of a new constitution that would transform France from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.

Definition: Constitutional Monarchy - A form of government in which a monarch acts as head of state within the parameters of a written or unwritten constitution.

The National Assembly's efforts to create a new system of government faced numerous challenges:

  • Balancing the power between the monarch and the elected representatives
  • Addressing the concerns of various factions within the revolutionary movement
  • Dealing with resistance from those who supported the old regime

Despite these challenges, the Assembly made significant progress in reshaping France's political landscape. Some of the key reforms included:

  • The abolition of noble titles and privileges
  • The reorganization of France's administrative divisions
  • The establishment of a system of elected judges
  • The creation of a national guard to maintain order

Highlight: The transformation of France from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy represented a fundamental shift in the balance of power and laid the groundwork for future democratic reforms.

French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

View

The Legislative Assembly and the Road to Republic

Following the completion of the new constitution in September 1791, the National Assembly dissolved itself and was replaced by the newly elected Legislative Assembly. This new body faced numerous challenges as it attempted to govern France under the constitutional monarchy system.

Key features of the Legislative Assembly:

  1. Comprised of 745 deputies, all of whom were new to national politics
  2. Dominated by the bourgeoisie, as active citizenship was limited to property owners
  3. Divided into various political factions, including constitutional monarchists, republicans, and radicals

Vocabulary: Legislative Assembly - The governing body of France from October 1, 1791, to September 20, 1792, during the French Revolution.

Major issues faced by the Legislative Assembly:

  1. Economic instability and inflation
  2. Continued resistance from refractory clergy and counterrevolutionaries
  3. Growing tensions with other European powers, particularly Austria and Prussia

The Assembly's efforts to address these issues often led to further radicalization of the revolution. For example:

  • Harsh measures were taken against refractory clergy and émigrés (nobles who had fled France)
  • War was declared against Austria in April 1792, marking the beginning of the French Revolutionary Wars

Example: The Legislative Assembly passed a decree in November 1791 requiring all clergy to take an oath of loyalty to the constitution or face deportation, further exacerbating religious tensions.

As the war progressed and the internal situation in France deteriorated, the position of Louis XVI became increasingly precarious. The king's perceived sympathy for the enemy and his use of the royal veto against Assembly decrees led to growing republican sentiment among the populace.

Highlight: The events of August 10, 1792, when a mob stormed the Tuileries Palace, effectively ended the constitutional monarchy and paved the way for the establishment of the First French Republic.

French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

View

The October Days and Marie Antoinette

As the revolution progressed, the situation in France remained tense. Food shortages became a critical issue:

  • Peasants continued to hoard crops, causing food prices to skyrocket.
  • Limited supplies led to widespread hunger and discontent.

This dire situation led to increased criticism of the royal family, particularly Louis XVI's wife, Marie Antoinette. A famous quote attributed to her (though likely apocryphal) encapsulated the perceived disconnect between the royalty and the common people:

Quote: "If the people are hungry, they can eat grass. That is what my horse does when it is hungry. If they have no grass, let them eat cake."

It's important to note that this quote has been attributed to various historical figures throughout French history, including:

  • Louis XIV (though people were less likely to criticize him due to his status as the "Sun King")
  • Louis XV's mistress

The attribution of this quote to Marie Antoinette, regardless of its authenticity, fueled public anger towards the royal family and contributed to the growing revolutionary sentiment.

Highlight: The perceived indifference of the royal family to the plight of the common people, as exemplified by the "let them eat cake" quote, played a significant role in turning public opinion against the monarchy.

These events set the stage for the October Days, a pivotal moment in the French Revolution when thousands of Parisian women marched to Versailles to demand bread and to bring the royal family back to Paris.

French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

View

The Flight to Varennes and Its Consequences

One of the most dramatic events of the early French Revolution was the attempted escape of Louis XVI and his family from Paris in June 1791, known as the Flight to Varennes.

Key details of the event:

  1. The royal family disguised themselves and fled Paris on the night of June 20-21, 1791.
  2. Their destination was the royalist stronghold of Montmédy near the Austrian border.
  3. They were recognized and arrested in the town of Varennes on June 22.

Highlight: The Flight to Varennes was a turning point in the French Revolution, as it severely damaged the credibility of Louis XVI and undermined support for the constitutional monarchy.

Consequences of the failed escape:

  1. Increased republican sentiment among the French people
  2. Suspicion that the king was in league with foreign powers to suppress the revolution
  3. Suspension of the king's powers by the National Assembly
  4. Acceleration of efforts to complete the new constitution

The National Assembly faced a dilemma in how to deal with the king after his attempted flight. They ultimately decided to accept the fiction that Louis XVI had been kidnapped, allowing him to retain his position as a constitutional monarch.

Quote: From Louis XVI's declaration to the National Assembly after his return: "I came to Paris with my family with the sincere intention of remaining here... I had no plan to leave the country."

This event marked a significant shift in the relationship between the monarchy and the revolutionary government, setting the stage for further radicalization of the revolution in the coming years.

French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

View

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The French Revolution: Louis XVI, Estates General, and the Tennis Court Oath for Kids

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Siri Gowda

@sirigowda_jiau

·

0 Follower

Follow

The French Revolution was sparked by severe debt, inequality, and political mismanagement. Louis XVI's impact on French debt was significant, exacerbated by his wife Marie Antoinette's extravagant spending. The role of the Estates General in the French Revolution was crucial, as its calling led to the formation of the National Assembly and the Tennis Court Oath, marking the beginning of revolutionary change. The revolution officially began with the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, followed by significant reforms and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen.

  • Key factors leading to the French Revolution:
  • Severe national debt from previous rulers' wars and mismanagement
  • Inequitable tax system favoring the nobility and clergy
  • Political and economic frustrations of the Third Estate
  • Influence of Enlightenment ideas
  • Food shortages and high prices
French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

Free Study Notes from Top Students - Unlock Now!

Free notes for every subject, made by the best students

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The Civil Constitution of the Clergy and Religious Reforms

One of the most controversial actions taken by the National Assembly was the passage of the Civil Constitution of the Clergy in 1790. This legislation aimed to reorganize the Catholic Church in France and bring it under state control.

Key aspects of the Civil Constitution of the Clergy:

  1. Reduction in the number of bishops and redistribution of dioceses
  2. Election of bishops and priests by local assemblies
  3. Requirement for clergy to take an oath of loyalty to the state

Vocabulary: Civil Constitution of the Clergy - A law passed during the French Revolution that subordinated the Roman Catholic Church in France to the French government.

These reforms were met with significant resistance from many members of the clergy and devout Catholics. The Pope condemned the Civil Constitution, leading to a schism within the French Catholic Church between those who accepted the new system (constitutional clergy) and those who refused (refractory clergy).

The religious reforms had far-reaching consequences:

  • Deepened divisions within French society
  • Alienated many Catholics from the revolutionary cause
  • Contributed to the growing counterrevolutionary movement

Example: The town of Vendée in western France became a center of Catholic and royalist resistance to the revolution, leading to a brutal civil war in 1793.

The controversy surrounding the Civil Constitution of the Clergy highlighted the challenges faced by the revolutionary government in balancing radical change with traditional institutions and beliefs.

French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

Free Study Notes from Top Students - Unlock Now!

Free notes for every subject, made by the best students

Get better grades with smart AI support

Study smarter, stress less - anytime, anywhere

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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Storming of the Bastille and the Great Fear

The formation of the National Assembly and the Tennis Court Oath set in motion a series of events that would lead to the official start of the French Revolution.

Key events:

  1. Louis XVI initially supported the National Assembly but later wavered under pressure from the nobility.
  2. The king ordered 18,000 troops to march to Versailles, causing panic among Parisians who feared an invasion.
  3. On July 14, 1789, Parisians stormed the Bastille, a fortress and weapons depot, marking the beginning of the French Revolution.

Highlight: The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, is considered Day 1 of the French Revolution and is still celebrated as Bastille Day in France.

The aftermath of the Bastille incident:

  • The warden and mayor of Paris were killed.
  • Marquis de Lafayette arrived to restore order and created a militia to defend Paris.
  • The 18,000 troops sent by the king were ordered to return to Paris.

Following these events, a period known as the Great Fear began on July 14, 1789. During this time:

  • Peasants in the countryside stormed houses of the wealthy, burning books that recorded their debts and obligations.
  • The king ordered all representatives to join the National Assembly.

On August 4, the National Assembly issued the August 4 Decrees, which:

  1. Ended feudalism
  2. Abolished privileges for the wealthy
  3. Required the wealthy to pay taxes

Definition: August 4 Decrees - A series of decrees issued by the National Assembly that abolished the feudal system and the privileges of the nobility and clergy.

The Assembly also drafted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, inspired by England's Bill of Rights and America's Constitution. However, Louis XVI had not approved these documents by October, leading to continued unrest.

Example: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen established fundamental rights for all citizens, such as liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression.

French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

Free Study Notes from Top Students - Unlock Now!

Free notes for every subject, made by the best students

Get better grades with smart AI support

Study smarter, stress less - anytime, anywhere

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The End of the Monarchy and the September Massacres

The summer of 1792 marked a critical turning point in the French Revolution, culminating in the fall of the monarchy and a period of increased violence.

Key events:

  1. August 10, 1792: Storming of the Tuileries Palace

    • Parisian revolutionaries and provincial volunteers attacked the royal residence
    • Louis XVI and his family sought refuge with the Legislative Assembly
    • The Assembly voted to suspend the king's powers and call for a National Convention to decide on the future of France
  2. August 11-13, 1792: Abolition of the monarchy

    • The Legislative Assembly formally ended the monarchy
    • Louis XVI was imprisoned in the Temple fortress

Highlight: The fall of the monarchy on August 10, 1792, is often considered the end of the first phase of the French Revolution and the beginning of the more radical phase.

In the aftermath of these events, fear and paranoia gripped Paris as news of foreign armies advancing towards the capital spread. This led to one of the darkest episodes of the revolution:

  1. September 2-6, 1792: The September Massacres
    • Mobs attacked prisons in Paris, killing over a thousand inmates
    • Victims included priests, aristocrats, and common criminals
    • The massacres spread to other cities across France

Quote: From Jean-Paul Marat, a radical revolutionary journalist: "Let the blood of the traitors flow. That is the only way to save the country."

The September Massacres had profound consequences:

  • Deepened divisions within French society
  • Intensified the climate of fear and suspicion
  • Contributed to the radicalization of the revolution

These events set the stage for the establishment of the First French Republic and the beginning of the Reign of Terror, marking a new and more violent phase of the French Revolution.

French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

Free Study Notes from Top Students - Unlock Now!

Free notes for every subject, made by the best students

Get better grades with smart AI support

Study smarter, stress less - anytime, anywhere

Sign up with Email

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Origins of the French Revolution

The French Revolution's roots can be traced back to the reigns of three key monarchs: Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI. Each of these rulers contributed to France's financial crisis that ultimately sparked the revolution.

Louis XIV's reign (1643-1715) was marked by costly wars and extravagant spending, culminating in the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. His successor, Louis XV (1715-1774), continued this trend of financial mismanagement. The Treaty of Paris in 1763 resulted in France losing its Canadian and Indian territories, further weakening the country's position.

When Louis XVI ascended to the throne in 1774, he inherited a nation deeply in debt. His reign was characterized by:

  1. Indifference and incompetence in leadership
  2. Lack of uniformity in laws, weights, measurements, and taxes across France's 300 provinces
  3. A population of 25 million, with 80% being peasants
  4. A privileged minority (1st and 2nd Estates) making up only 200,000 people

Highlight: The French Bourgeoisie, comprising the middle class, possessed "wealth without responsibility, intelligence without authority, and ability without recognition."

Various financial ministers attempted to address the crisis:

  • Turgot (1776)
  • Jacques Necker (1777)
  • Calonne (1787)
  • Brienne (1788)

These ministers proposed raising taxes on the 1st and 2nd Estates while lowering them for the 3rd Estate. However, their efforts were met with resistance from the nobility, who threatened rebellion unless an Estates-General meeting was called.

Vocabulary: Estates-General - A general assembly representing the three estates of French society: the clergy (First Estate), the nobility (Second Estate), and the commoners (Third Estate).

French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

Free Study Notes from Top Students - Unlock Now!

Free notes for every subject, made by the best students

Get better grades with smart AI support

Study smarter, stress less - anytime, anywhere

Sign up with Email

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Estates-General and the Birth of the National Assembly

In response to mounting pressure, Louis XVI agreed to convene the Estates-General in May 1789, an assembly that had not met since 1614. This decision would prove to be a turning point in French history.

Key aspects of the Estates-General meeting:

  1. Each estate was to have 300 representatives, with the 3rd Estate allowed 600.
  2. Voting was to be conducted by estate, with each estate having one vote.
  3. Cahiers (lists of grievances) were to be discussed.

Definition: Cahiers - Lists of grievances compiled by each estate to be presented at the Estates-General meeting.

The inequity of the voting system became a major point of contention. Abbé Sieyès, a prominent figure of the time, published a pamphlet titled "What is the Third Estate?" In it, he argued that the Third Estate essentially represented the entirety of France, as they were the ones who:

  • Dug the canals
  • Sold at markets
  • Paid all the taxes
  • Comprised workers, bankers, doctors, and lawyers

The Third Estate, frustrated with the voting system, stalled the proceedings for six weeks. Eventually, some members of the First and Second Estates joined them, declaring themselves the National Assembly.

Quote: "We are the National Assembly. We will always be the National Assembly no matter where we meet until we solve France's financial crisis."

This bold move led to the famous Tennis Court Oath, where members of the newly formed National Assembly swore not to disband until they had established a new constitution for France.

Highlight: The Tennis Court Oath was a pivotal moment in the early stages of the French Revolution, demonstrating the resolve of the Third Estate and their allies to bring about significant political change.

French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

Free Study Notes from Top Students - Unlock Now!

Free notes for every subject, made by the best students

Get better grades with smart AI support

Study smarter, stress less - anytime, anywhere

Sign up with Email

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The National Assembly and Constitutional Monarchy

In the wake of the October Days, the National Assembly continued its work on reforming France's government. Key developments during this period included:

  1. The relocation of the royal family and the National Assembly to Paris, bringing them closer to the center of revolutionary activity.
  2. The continued debate and refinement of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen.
  3. The drafting of a new constitution that would transform France from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.

Definition: Constitutional Monarchy - A form of government in which a monarch acts as head of state within the parameters of a written or unwritten constitution.

The National Assembly's efforts to create a new system of government faced numerous challenges:

  • Balancing the power between the monarch and the elected representatives
  • Addressing the concerns of various factions within the revolutionary movement
  • Dealing with resistance from those who supported the old regime

Despite these challenges, the Assembly made significant progress in reshaping France's political landscape. Some of the key reforms included:

  • The abolition of noble titles and privileges
  • The reorganization of France's administrative divisions
  • The establishment of a system of elected judges
  • The creation of a national guard to maintain order

Highlight: The transformation of France from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy represented a fundamental shift in the balance of power and laid the groundwork for future democratic reforms.

French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

Free Study Notes from Top Students - Unlock Now!

Free notes for every subject, made by the best students

Get better grades with smart AI support

Study smarter, stress less - anytime, anywhere

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The Legislative Assembly and the Road to Republic

Following the completion of the new constitution in September 1791, the National Assembly dissolved itself and was replaced by the newly elected Legislative Assembly. This new body faced numerous challenges as it attempted to govern France under the constitutional monarchy system.

Key features of the Legislative Assembly:

  1. Comprised of 745 deputies, all of whom were new to national politics
  2. Dominated by the bourgeoisie, as active citizenship was limited to property owners
  3. Divided into various political factions, including constitutional monarchists, republicans, and radicals

Vocabulary: Legislative Assembly - The governing body of France from October 1, 1791, to September 20, 1792, during the French Revolution.

Major issues faced by the Legislative Assembly:

  1. Economic instability and inflation
  2. Continued resistance from refractory clergy and counterrevolutionaries
  3. Growing tensions with other European powers, particularly Austria and Prussia

The Assembly's efforts to address these issues often led to further radicalization of the revolution. For example:

  • Harsh measures were taken against refractory clergy and émigrés (nobles who had fled France)
  • War was declared against Austria in April 1792, marking the beginning of the French Revolutionary Wars

Example: The Legislative Assembly passed a decree in November 1791 requiring all clergy to take an oath of loyalty to the constitution or face deportation, further exacerbating religious tensions.

As the war progressed and the internal situation in France deteriorated, the position of Louis XVI became increasingly precarious. The king's perceived sympathy for the enemy and his use of the royal veto against Assembly decrees led to growing republican sentiment among the populace.

Highlight: The events of August 10, 1792, when a mob stormed the Tuileries Palace, effectively ended the constitutional monarchy and paved the way for the establishment of the First French Republic.

French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

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The October Days and Marie Antoinette

As the revolution progressed, the situation in France remained tense. Food shortages became a critical issue:

  • Peasants continued to hoard crops, causing food prices to skyrocket.
  • Limited supplies led to widespread hunger and discontent.

This dire situation led to increased criticism of the royal family, particularly Louis XVI's wife, Marie Antoinette. A famous quote attributed to her (though likely apocryphal) encapsulated the perceived disconnect between the royalty and the common people:

Quote: "If the people are hungry, they can eat grass. That is what my horse does when it is hungry. If they have no grass, let them eat cake."

It's important to note that this quote has been attributed to various historical figures throughout French history, including:

  • Louis XIV (though people were less likely to criticize him due to his status as the "Sun King")
  • Louis XV's mistress

The attribution of this quote to Marie Antoinette, regardless of its authenticity, fueled public anger towards the royal family and contributed to the growing revolutionary sentiment.

Highlight: The perceived indifference of the royal family to the plight of the common people, as exemplified by the "let them eat cake" quote, played a significant role in turning public opinion against the monarchy.

These events set the stage for the October Days, a pivotal moment in the French Revolution when thousands of Parisian women marched to Versailles to demand bread and to bring the royal family back to Paris.

French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

Free Study Notes from Top Students - Unlock Now!

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The Flight to Varennes and Its Consequences

One of the most dramatic events of the early French Revolution was the attempted escape of Louis XVI and his family from Paris in June 1791, known as the Flight to Varennes.

Key details of the event:

  1. The royal family disguised themselves and fled Paris on the night of June 20-21, 1791.
  2. Their destination was the royalist stronghold of Montmédy near the Austrian border.
  3. They were recognized and arrested in the town of Varennes on June 22.

Highlight: The Flight to Varennes was a turning point in the French Revolution, as it severely damaged the credibility of Louis XVI and undermined support for the constitutional monarchy.

Consequences of the failed escape:

  1. Increased republican sentiment among the French people
  2. Suspicion that the king was in league with foreign powers to suppress the revolution
  3. Suspension of the king's powers by the National Assembly
  4. Acceleration of efforts to complete the new constitution

The National Assembly faced a dilemma in how to deal with the king after his attempted flight. They ultimately decided to accept the fiction that Louis XVI had been kidnapped, allowing him to retain his position as a constitutional monarch.

Quote: From Louis XVI's declaration to the National Assembly after his return: "I came to Paris with my family with the sincere intention of remaining here... I had no plan to leave the country."

This event marked a significant shift in the relationship between the monarchy and the revolutionary government, setting the stage for further radicalization of the revolution in the coming years.

French Revolution - Unit 7
Day 1 November 9th (Tuesday)
France is in severe debt because of :
Louis XIV (r.1643-1715)
●
.
●
1713: Treaty of

Free Study Notes from Top Students - Unlock Now!

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Get better grades with smart AI support

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