Notes on the French Revolution Lecture

Introduction

• At the height of the 18th century, France faced internal conflict from its own people.
• The rise of Maximilien Robespierre and the fall of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette marked the beginning of the French Revolution.
• 1794: Robespierre is imprisoned, facing execution as a result of the Revolution's events.

The French Revolution

• The Revolution was an attempt to recreate society, change politics, institutions, and human nature.
• It marked a turn away from aristocratic traditions, impacting Europe and the world.
• Considered the most important event in Western history, rivaled by the Industrial Revolution and capitalism.

Key Figures

• Maximilien Robespierre: A master orator and revolutionary leader, known as "the incorruptible."
• King Louis XVI: Weak, indecisive, and ultimately overthrown.
• Queen Marie Antoinette: Austrian-born, unpopular due to perceived excesses and lack of an heir.

Prelude to Revolution

• France faced financial strain due to population growth, previous wars, and royal excess.
• King Louis XV's defeat in the Seven Years' War left the country economically weakened.
• Enlightenment ideals began challenging the old societal structures.

The Rise of the Revolution

• Louis XVI's reign saw economic mismanagement and growing unrest.
• The Estates General was called for the first time in 175 years, leading to the formation of the National Assembly.
• The storming of the Bastille on July 14th, 1789, became a symbol of the people's revolt.

The Declaration of the Rights of Man

• A revolutionary document that abolished class distinctions and claimed sovereignty for the people.
• The National Assembly's voice called for constitutional monarchy and justice.

The Role of the Press

• Newspapers like L'Ami de Peuple fueled revolutionary fervor.
• Jean-Paul Marat became a radical voice calling for violence against the monarchy.

Escalation and Violence

• Women's March on Versailles: October 1789, women demanded bread and the king's attention.
• The monarchy was forced to relocate to Paris, becoming prisoners of the revolution.

Tensions with Austria

• France declared war on Austria due to fears of counter-revolution.
• The Brunswick Manifesto threatened Paris, sparking further rebellion.

The Fall of the Monarchy

• Louis XVI was put on trial and executed, symbolizing the end of monarchy.

Reign of Terror

• Led by Robespierre, the era saw mass executions and extreme measures to protect the revolution.
• The Committee of Public Safety was established to oversee the terror.

Decline of Robespierre

• Robespierre's control and the terror eventually led to his downfall.
• His attempt to align terror with virtue was met with skepticism.

Execution of Key Figures

• Danton and others were executed as Robespierre saw them as threats.
• The Great Terror increased paranoia and executions.

End of the Terror

• Robespierre was overthrown and executed, marking the end of the terror.

Legacy of the Revolution

• The revolution forever changed Europe and inspired global movements for democracy and justice.
• It posed questions about the justification of violence for societal change, still relevant today.

Conclusion

• The French Revolution remains a powerful symbol of democracy and the people's fight against tyranny, influencing revolutions worldwide.