Key Events Sparking the French Revolution

May 6, 2024

Mindmap

Notes on the Beginnings of the French Revolution

Summary

The French Revolution began as a dramatic series of events unfolding in five acts, catalyzed by financial distress under King Louis XVI's rule and societal inequities involving the three estates. Among the key events were the convocation of the Estates-General, the formation of the National Assembly, the Tennis Court Oath, the storming of the Bastille, the abolishment of feudalism, and the declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

Detailed Points

Act One: The Summoning of the Estates-General

  • Background Problems: France under Louis XVI faced disorder including famine and escalating food prices. The common people (third estate) bore the tax burden without contributions from nobility and clergy.
  • Immediate Cause: France's bankruptcy led Louis XVI to convene the Estates-General, not called for 150 years.
  • Estates-General Composition: 300 delegates each from clergy (first estate) and nobility (second estate); 600 from the third estate (commoners), representing a disproportionate distribution given the population sizes.

Act Two: The Tennis Court Oath

  • Initial Assembly (May 5, 1789): Distinct separation of estates evident, conflict arose immediately over representation and voting.
  • Key Event: Third estate was locked out from the meeting place, leading them to meet at a nearby tennis court where they declared themselves the National Assembly, vowing not to disperse until a new constitution was established.
  • Outcome: King Louis XVI’s command to disperse was defied, marking a significant shift in authority from monarchy to assembly.

Act Three: Storming of the Bastille

  • Immediate Causes: Rumors the king intended to dissolve the National Assembly and mounting starvation in Paris.
  • Event: On July 14, 1789, Parisians stormed Bastille for arms and ammunition, leading to the death of over 100 civilians but eventually taking the fortress.
  • Significance: Marked as the official start of the French Revolution and celebrated as the French National Day.

Act Four: Abolition of the Feudal System

  • Royal Response: King retreated to Paris, signaling sympathy with the revolutionary cause.
  • Peasant Revolts: Widespread attacks on noble estates and clergy, escalating violence.
  • Legislative Actions: National Assembly abolished feudal privileges, equalized taxation, and ended serfdom, although no property was seized from the nobility.

Act Five: Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

  • Date: August 26, 1789
  • Content: Influenced by the American Declaration of Independence, established rights including resistance to oppression, freedom of religion, and equality before the law.
  • King’s Reluctance: Despite his initial refusal, a massive protest led by Parisian women compelled the king to endorse the new laws.

Conclusion

The initial phase of the French Revolution transformed France from an absolute monarchy burdened by inequitable feudal burdens to a constitutional monarchy with a foundation of rights that emphasized liberty, equality, and eventually, fraternity. The long-term implications continued to evolve, showing the complexity of fully realizing the revolutionary ideals.