The French Revolution
Viva La Resistance!
The Problems
- In the 1780s the French government, along with most of the rest of Europe, was an absolute monarchy. This meant the king had almost unlimited power
- The people of France were divided into 3 estates (social classes) with the 3rd being the weakest and most common
- France was Deep in dept from the 7 Years War
- France had an Estate General to have the people come up with ideas
- The 3rd estate wanted there to be 1 estate and a constitution for the people. Their ideas were refused by the king and upper classes
The Solution
- The third estate forms The national Assembly of France
- They make a vow to only disband when a constitution is made
- July 14th 1789: the Parisians rush to the Bastille to gather weapons to defend against the king's army
- Countryside uprising against local feudal lords begin
Taking Charge
- August 1789: Assembly forms Declaration of Rights of Man and of the Citizen
- Assembly takes property of Roman Catholic Church
- Public view becomes widely divided
- 1791: War with Austria and Prussia wanting to restore power to king
- 1792: The Parisians capture the king and the National Convention begins
- 1793: National Convention puts king to death
The "Counter-Revolution"
- More Radicals called "The mountain" fight leaders in convention
- 1794: Jacobin Clubs arrest leaders in convention and execute random suspects in "Reign of Terror"
- Led to a purge in military ranks shocking Jacobins throughout
- 1795: New convention developed leading to new government "The Directory"
Is This the End?
- Revolution ends while leaders fight for power
- People weary of political conflict
- France now hated by other countries
- led to (failed) uprisings in other countries
Bonus: "Do You Hear the People Sing?"
- 1832: Student Revolt featured in Le Miserables
- Sparked from economic and social troubles caused in French Revolution
- Musical Drama and movies based on book
- Puts emphasis on standing up for beliefs
Do you hear the people sing? - Les Miserables - High res, w/ lyrics