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Overview of the French Revolution
Sep 4, 2024
Lecture Notes: The French Revolution Overview
Introduction
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Setting the Scene
Discussion of French nobility at a party.
Marie Antoinette is highlighted as pretty, while Prince Louis faces royal responsibilities.
France is in financial ruin despite the nobility's lavish lifestyle.
Historical Context
France: once prosperous, now facing crisis.
Nobility enjoying excess at the expense of the poor.
France's involvement in wars (e.g., against Britain) led to debt.
Age of Enlightenment
Philosophers began questioning social structures and the monarchy.
Prince Louis becomes King Louis XVI amidst financial woes and public unrest.
King Louis XVI's Weakness
Louis XVI portrayed as weak and easily manipulated.
Early decisions include financing America's revolution, furthering France's debt.
Queen Marie Antoinette's Spending
Marie Antoinette's extravagant lifestyle earned her the nickname "Madame Deficit."
Public scorn due to her lavish spending while peasants suffered.
Tax Burden on the Poor
Heavy taxation on the peasantry while nobility evades taxes.
Tax collectors depicted as aggressive, leading to public frustration.
Harvest Crisis and Public Unrest
Natural disasters lead to poor harvests, skyrocketing bread prices.
Starving peasants riot; women lead protests against bakers.
Estates General
King summons Estates General for the first time in 175 years to address crisis.
Composed of clergy, nobility, and commoners (Third Estate).
Voting Inequality
Third Estate's dissatisfaction with the voting system (1 vote for 27 million people).
Formation of the National Assembly as a response to exclusion.
Tennis Court Oath
Third Estate pledges to meet until reforms are made.
Notable figures: Robespierre and Danton.
Rising Tensions
Fear and anger in Paris lead to revolutionary fervor.
Formation of the National Guard and the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789.
The Fall of the Bastille
Crowd demands gunpowder at the Bastille; Governor de Launay killed.
National Assembly's reaction: embrace of revolutionary violence.
Radical Publications
Jean-Paul Marat's "The Friend of the People" incites violence and anger against the monarchy.
Declaration of the Rights of Man
Adoption of the Declaration inspired by Enlightenment ideals, yet lacked gender equality.
Women’s March on Versailles
October 5, 1789: Thousands of women march to confront King Louis XVI about bread shortages.
The King agrees to return with them to Paris, highlighting the collapse of royal authority.
Conclusion
The lecture ends with a humorous promotion of NordVPN.
Encourages viewers to check out related content.
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