The French Revolution
Articles by: Kayla Sriver
Inequality Among the People. February 15, 1789. By: Kayla Sriver
The Clergy and Nobility make up the First and Second Estates being extremely privileged and don't even have to pay taxes. The Third Estates is made up of everyone from professionals to peasants, and they are required to do their work as well as all the work for the top two Estates. They have to pay more than their share of taxes and have limited freedom. The first two Estates only make up 3% of the population. How is it fair that 97% of the population is doing all the work for this little amount? The government could not raise enough money and the Estates-General was called to a session. Each Estate was given one vote, but this would mean that the First and Second Estates would always outvote the Third Estate. How was this fair if 3% of the population were allowed more votes when it was already obvious they were on the same side with things? The Third Estate asked if each person was allowed one vote, but then they would always outvote the First and Second Estates so this was overruled. It's obvious that there is major inequality within the government and society of France. The American Revolution has just concluded with great success and has started to change the minds of the French. Could this possibly be the start of a French Revolution?
The National Assembly Makes Some Progress. August 26, 1789. By: Kayla Sriver
Just today the representatives of the French, the National Assembly, gathered together and established the Declaration of the Rights of Man. They believe that the main problems in society are caused by the neglecting of the people's natural rights. This list of principles will allow the government to respect these rights and reflect on the lives of the citizens. Until this day, 97% of the population, or the Third Estate, was treated unfairly. They were forced to do extra work for the top two estates and pay extra taxes as well. They were completely controlled and had limited privileges and pleasures. The First Estate and Second Estate, making up 3% of the population, lived in luxury and never had any worries. When the common people decided that they didn't like this, they tried to make a change, but the government decided to give one vote for each estate. This voting policy was unfair because the Third Estate, although the largest, would always be outvoted. The Third Estate came up with another plan for one vote per person, but this one was repealed. The rights of the people were overlooked by the government until today's introduction of the Declaration of the Rights of Man. Will this be enough to stop the attempts to overthrow the government?
A New Government or Blind Power? January 2, 1793. By: Kayla Sriver
Ever since the French government was overtaken by the Committee on Public Safety, there has been a serious lack of order. Maximillian Robespierre, the leader of the Committee on Public Safety, has taken over control as a dictator. He and the committee began what is called the Reign of Terror no too long ago. Since then he has arrested anyone that seems to be against the Committee or is aiding the enemies. Once in captivity, these prisoners were immediately killed without trial. The main cause of execution is the Guillotine, a beheading device. Does this sound like a better alternative from the Absolute Monarchy we had before? Is Robespierre trying to change France for the better, or is he using his recently gained power to carryout his personal wishes? Thousands of innocent citizens have been killed including women and children. Many families have resorted to hiding and living in fear. The leaders of the Committee began to turn on each other and even killed Robespierre's friends and followers. Now he no longer trusts anyone who disagrees with him. Is there any reason in Robespierre's actions, or is he simply following his blind belief that all men are born good at heart and are corrupted by society? If so, then are we all doomed?
The Three Estates
This picture depicts the inequality among the people in the First, Second, and Third Estates.
The Declaration of the Rights of Man
These principles, protecting and respecting the people's rights, were established to try and prevent further problems within the public.
The Guillotine: The Icon of the Reign of Terror
This beheading device, named the Guillotine, is being used in many of the deaths of the accused.