The French Revolution and Its Questions

Key Questions Raised:

• Human Rights and Their Origins: What rights do people have, and where do they come from?
• Authority and Decision-Making: Who gets to make decisions for others and on what authority?
• Organizing Society: How can society be organized to meet people's needs?

Context of the French Revolution:

• The Enlightenment Influence:
  • Intellectual and cultural shift emphasizing reason and human freedom over tradition and religion.
  • Rise of the middle class and political awareness fueled by printed materials.
  • Influence of the American Revolution on political thought.

Pre-Revolutionary France:

• The Ancient Regime:
  • France governed by three Estates: First Estate (Catholic clergy), Second Estate (nobles), Third Estate (middle class and peasants).
  • King Louis XVI’s authority based on divine right.
  • Third Estate had little power and was heavily taxed.

Causes of the Revolution:

• Economic Strain:

  • France’s debt from supporting the American Revolution and wars with England.
  • Taxation burden on the Third Estate leading to poverty among peasants.

• Political Tensions:

  • King Louis XVI appoints finance minister Jacques Necker who pushes for tax reform.
  • Opposition from the king’s advisors.
  • Meeting of the Estates-General reveals power imbalance.

The Outbreak of Revolution:

• Formation of the National Assembly:

  • Third Estate declares itself the National Assembly, pledges to draft a new constitution.

• Storming of the Bastille:

  • Parisians and soldiers storm the Bastille, symbolizing the start of the Revolution.

Major Events of the Revolution:

• Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen:

  • Proclaims individual rights and freedoms as fundamental.

• End of Monarchy:

  • Louis XVI attempts to flee, is caught and charged with treason.
  • Execution of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette.

• Political and Social Changes:

  • Abolition of the feudal system.
  • Creation of a constitutional monarchy.
  • Emergence of Jacobin leadership and the Reign of Terror led by Maximilien Robespierre.

Aftermath and Legacy:

• War and Political Instability:

  • France at war with neighboring monarchies.
  • Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor.
  • Multiple constitutions and governments over a decade.

• Struggle for Ideals:

  • Long-lasting influence on political thought and struggles with issues raised by the Revolution.

Conclusion:

• The French Revolution raised enduring questions about rights, authority, and societal organization that continue to be relevant today.