French Revolution Unveiled: Origins & Major Milestones
Causes of the French Revolution
France faced a deep economic crisis in the 18th century, severely limiting Louis XVI's governmental capabilities. Some ministers proposed economic and social reforms based on Enlightenment ideas. These measures challenged the very foundations of the estates system, as privileged classes were to pay taxes. However, the privileged refused to accept these tax reforms and other economic changes. France's intervention in the American War of Independence further aggravated the state's financial crisis and debt. The proposed solution was to increase revenue by compelling the privileged to contribute to state expenses.
Key Terms and Concepts
Subsistence Crisis
A crisis caused by rising food prices or shortages. In France, wheat prices rose significantly, doubling and tripling the prices of bread and other essential foods.
Estates-General
An assembly representing the three estates of French society under the Ancien Régime: the nobility, the clergy, and the Third Estate.
Cahiers de Doléances (Notebooks of Grievances)
These were texts that recorded requests from each of the estates. The nobility and the clergy sought to maintain their privileges, while the Third Estate demanded legal equality for all citizens.
Objectives of the National Assembly
Representatives of the Third Estate had requested in the Cahiers de Doléances a vote by head (individual vote), rather than by estate, and to double the number of representatives for the Third Estate.
Key Events of 1789
The Tennis Court Oath (June 20)
After being locked out of their usual meeting hall, deputies gathered in the Royal Tennis Court, vowing not to disperse until they had drafted a constitution for France. This event led to the formation of the National Constituent Assembly.
Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789)
This date marked a significant urban revolution with the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris.
Consequences of the Bastille's Fall
The Bastille was a fortress where political dissidents were imprisoned. The crowd marched towards the Bastille to free the prisoners, but the governor refused to open the doors and ordered his soldiers to fire. The revolutionaries launched the attack and soon gained control. This event became a powerful symbol of the revolution. The strength of the revolutionaries prevented a return to the Ancien Régime and forced the king to recognize the National Assembly. A National Guard was also formed.
In 1789, a widespread peasant revolt known as the Great Fear erupted. Peasants stopped paying manorial dues. This period caused widespread panic among peasants, who stormed stately castles, burned feudal deeds, and demanded the abolition of feudal rights.
Key Decrees and Declarations
Decree on the Abolition of Feudalism
This decree abolished feudal rights, personal benefits, and privileges, declaring tax equality for all citizens.
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (DDHC)
The DDHC expanded natural rights such as liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression. It recognized freedom of thought, economic activity, and religion, and proclaimed equality before the law. It also established national sovereignty and the presumption of innocence.
The Civil Constitution of the Clergy
Distinction Between Juring and Refractory Clergy
Under the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, religious officials became dependent on the state, which would pay their salaries, but only if they swore an oath of loyalty to the constitution. Clergy who accepted this measure were called juring or constitutional clergy, while those who refused were called non-juring or refractory clergy.
The Constitution of 1791
The Constitution of 1791 established national sovereignty, vested in the National Assembly, and implemented the separation of powers: executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Active vs. Passive Citizens
Active citizens were men who paid a certain amount in taxes and swore a civic oath; they were eligible to vote in elections. Conversely, passive citizens were those who did not meet these criteria. They had no political right to vote and typically comprised the poorer segments of society.
The Legislative Assembly Period (1791-1792)
After drafting the Constitution, the National Assembly held elections for a new legislative body. The Legislative Assembly was dominated by moderate and royalist factions. This period was marked by food shortages compounded by external threats. European monarchies began to support exiled nobles and prepared their armies. In 1792, the Assembly declared war on Austria. The French initially faced defeats, and revolutionary France faced significant danger.