Turn on the Morning (14 July 1789)

Atmosphere in Paris

• On 14 July 1789, there was an atmosphere of fear and unrest in Paris.
• There were rumors that the king wanted to shoot at the people of France.
• Out of fear, 7000 people gathered in front of the Town Hall and felt the need for weapons.
• People decided to loot weapons from government buildings.

Breaking the Bastille Prison

• The public attacked the Bastille prison, where there was a possibility of getting ammunition.
• The prison commander was killed, and prisoners were released.
• The Bastille prison was demolished, and its possessions were sold.

Subsequent Struggles

• Many battles took place in Paris and other areas.
• Protests began against rising prices of bread, clothes, and houses.
• Ultimately, the king was beheaded.

18th Century France

Reign of Louis XVI

• Louis XVI became king in 1774.
• The royal treasury was empty, and the king needed money.
• Helped America’s 13 colonies to free from Britain, increasing the expenses.
• Large creditors demanded money at 10% interest.

Social Classes

• Society was divided into three estates:
  1. Clergy (1st Estate): Church employees
  2. Nobility (2nd Estate): The king and his family
  3. Third Estate (3rd Estate): Other people (big businessmen, lawyers, farmers)
• The Third Estate had to pay all taxes, like tithes (church tax).

Problems and Revolts

• From 1750-1789, the population increased, and the food supply decreased.
• Inflation increased, and the poor became poorer.
• Gradually, people became educated and demanded their rights.
• John Locke and Rousseau spoke of equality of rights.

Meeting of the Estates-General (1789)

• For the first time since 1614, a meeting of the Estates-General was called in 1789.
• The Third Estate had 600 representatives.
• The demands of the people of the Third Estate were not heard, making them frustrated.
• On 20 June 1789, they gathered in an indoor tennis court and formed the National Assembly.

Constitution of 1791

• The king's powers were limited.
• The government was divided into three parts: the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
• The people were given many rights: the right to life, freedom of speech, etc.

Jacobin Club and the End of the King

• Bread prices increased, and to face the inflation, the Jacobin Club planned action.
• On 10 August, the king and his family were imprisoned.
• On 22 September 1792, the monarchy ended, and the republic system was established.
• Louis XVI was guillotined on charges of treason.

End of Slavery

• Slavery was prevalent in the colonies.
• The Robespierre government closed the churches but continued the slavery trade.
• Slavery ended in 1794.
• The fall of Robespierre's power led to the end of slavery.

Freedom of Press

• In 1799, a law was enacted limiting press freedom.
• Later, freedom was restored.

Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte

• In 1799, Napoleon took power and formed a new government.
• Initially, Napoleon seemed in favor of the public, but later showed dictatorial tendencies.
• Napoleon was defeated in 1815.