Notes on the French Revolution Lecture

Key Events Leading to the Revolution

• Date: July 14, 1789
• Location: Paris, France
• Context: Alarm in Paris as troops were stationed, rumors of impending violence against citizens.
• People's Response:
  • 7,000 men and women formed a militia.
  • Stormed the Bastille fortress for ammunition.
  • Commander of the Bastille killed, 7 prisoners released.
  • The Bastille symbolized the king's despotic power and was destroyed.
• Aftermath:
  • Increased protests against high bread prices.
  • Seen as the beginning of events leading to the king's execution.

Background of French Society (Late 18th Century)

• Louis XVI ascended the throne in 1774, age 20, married to Marie Antoinette.
• Financial Situation:
  • Empty treasury due to years of war (including support for American Revolution).
  • National debt exceeded 2 billion livres, leading to high interest rates on state loans.
  • Increased taxation failed to meet budget needs.

Structure of French Society

• Estates System:
  • Three Estates:
    1. First Estate: Clergy (exempt from taxes).
    2. Second Estate: Nobility (feudal privileges).
    3. Third Estate: Commoners (paid all taxes).
• Composition:
  • Peasants: 90% of the population, only a few owned land.
  • Nobles and church owned 60% of the land.

Economic Struggles

• Population Growth:
  • Rose from 23 million (1715) to 28 million (1789).
  • Increased demand for food, particularly bread.
• Price Increases:
  • Prices rose faster than wages, especially during poor harvests, leading to subsistence crises.
  • Subsistence Crisis: Endangerment of basic livelihood resulting in food riots and increased mortality.

Emergence of the Middle Class

• Middle Class Development:
  • Prosperous groups within the Third Estate: merchants, manufacturers, professionals.
  • Advocated for merit-based social standings rather than privilege by birth.
• Influential Philosophers:
  • John Locke: Challenged absolute monarchy; advocated for social contracts.
  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Promoted social contract theories.
  • Montesquieu: Advocated for separation of powers within government.
• Impact of the American Revolution:
  • The U.S. Constitution inspired French thinkers and reformists.
• Spread of Enlightenment Ideas:
  • Discussion in salons and coffeehouses, accessible to the literate and illiterate alike.

Growing Discontent

• Imposition of Further Taxes:
  • Louis XVI's plans to raise taxes led to public anger and protest against the system of privileges.