Brief Summary
This video provides a comprehensive overview of the French Revolution, starting with the conditions that led to the revolt, including economic hardship and social inequality. It covers key events such as the Storming of the Bastille, the abolition of feudalism, and the Reign of Terror, before concluding with the establishment of the Directory and the rise of Napoleon. The video also discusses the dechristianisation efforts and the impact of the revolution on other countries.
- Economic hardship and social inequality fuelled the revolution.
- Key events include the Storming of the Bastille and the Reign of Terror.
- The revolution led to the abolition of feudalism and the rise of Napoleon.
Introduction
France is a wealthy European country, renowned for landmarks like the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Inhabited since Neolithic times, France boasts a rich cultural heritage with historical palaces and buildings. Despite its beauty, France experienced war and revolt before achieving stability and prosperity. The French Revolution, like many others, was driven by discontent with the monarchy and the exploitation of the working class by the aristocracy.
Reasons for the French Revolution
Several factors contributed to the French Revolution. France's large population strained resources, leading to increased demand for food and goods. The country's heavy spending on the American Revolution, coupled with the extravagance of King Louis XVI and his predecessors, had left France nearly bankrupt. Poor harvests, cattle disease, dwindling royal assets, and unaffordable bread prices further aggravated the situation. High taxes imposed by the government to recover losses angered the people, leading to strikes, theft, and riots, ultimately uprooting the monarchy and feudal system as the people demanded sovereignty and absolute rights.
Trail of Events in French Revolution
King Louis XVI is blamed for laying the groundwork for the French Revolution. The 'Ancien Régime', spanning from the Middle Ages to 1792, was a period of kings and feudal lords, setting the stage for the revolution. Besides the 'Ancien Régime', there were other reasons too.
Ancien Regime
When Louis XVI ascended to the throne, France was already facing financial difficulties due to its involvement in the Seven Years' War and the American Revolution. Anne Robert Jacques Turgot, the finance minister, was dismissed for failing to implement financial restructurings. Jacques Necker, his successor, recognised the harsh tax system that burdened the lower classes while the clergy and nobility enjoyed exemptions. Necker proposed abolishing these exemptions and suggested borrowing money to alleviate the country's financial problems. His proposals were not well-received, and he was eventually removed from his position.
Monetary Crunch
Charles Alexandre de Calonne, the new Comptroller, initially lacked seriousness but soon realised the country's dire financial situation required immediate action, proposing a new tax code. Calonne's proposal included a land tax that would require the clergy and aristocrats to pay, facing widespread opposition. Calonne called for the Assembly of Notables, who rejected his offer, jeopardising his position. The King then summoned the Estates General for May 1789, a move that hadn't been taken since 1614, signalling trouble for the Bourbon monarchy.
Estates General of 1789
The Estates General, a general assembly representing the French Estates of Realm, comprised the clergy, nobility, and the remaining population. Elections in 1789 allowed French-born males of the Third Estate, aged 25 and above, who paid taxes and resided in the election area, to vote. The First Estate consisted of around 100,000 Catholic clergy, while the Second Estate included 400,000 nobles. The Third Estate represented local officers, lawyers, landowners, and those in various trades. A total of 1201 representatives were selected, including 291 nobles, 610 Third Estate members, and 303 clergy.
Book of Grievances
The 'cahiers de doleances', or 'Book of Grievances', compiled thoughts supporting the monarch government. Initially, people believed the Estates General would improve taxes. However, discussions shifted from taxes to organising a separate legislature. Abbe Sieyes, a Catholic clergyman and theorist, suggested that the Third Estate, now known as 'Communes', should proceed with verification and invite the other two estates to participate, but not wait for them.
National Assembly
On June 13, 1789, the verification of powers began, inviting the First two Estates. When the Three Estates failed to unite, the Third Estate completed the verification process and proclaimed themselves the National Assembly, inviting others to join and asserting their authority over state affairs. As their numbers grew, they gained the power to dictate any combined assembly. Courtiers advised the king to take action against the National Assembly. On June 20, 1789, the hall where the National Assembly met was closed, leading the participants to gather at a tennis court.
Tennis Court Oath
They took the 'Tennis Court Oath', resolving not to separate until they addressed France's downfall. When the tennis court was also closed, they convened in the Church of Saint Louis, where several clergy members joined the National Assembly. The Third Estate insisted that all deputies verify credentials, but the other estates disagreed. Necker suggested self-verification by estates, with the king as the judge.
National Assembly
The National Assembly played a crucial role in the French Revolution, formed by the Third Estates on June 13, 1789, and lasting until July 9, 1789. It was later replaced by the Legislative Assembly (National Constituent Assembly) on September 30, 1791. On June 23, 1789, the King addressed all representatives of the three Estates. The members remained silent throughout the king's speech, and after he concluded and asked them to leave, only the clergy and nobles departed, while the deputies of the common people stayed.
Honore Gabriel Riqueticomte de Mirabeau
Honore Gabriel Riqueticomte de Mirabeau noted the military presence surrounding the assembly and questioned their purpose, demanding an investigation. He asserted that the king was bound by oath and could not leave until a constitution was formed. The deputies remained steadfast. Forty-seven more members of the nobility, including the Duke of Orleans, joined the assembly. The Estates General was now the National Assembly, though the deputies remained the same. Versailles and Paris were surrounded by troops. The National Constituent Assembly requested the king to remove the troops, but King Louis refused, stating the troops were for safety and he alone could decide their necessity. This angered the people and triggered the Storming of Bastille, marking the start of the French Revolution.
Constitutional Monarchy and the Revolution
When the king replaced Prime Minister Jacques Necker with Baron de Breteuil, the National Assembly, alarmed, discussed creating a 'Bourgeois Guard'. On July 13, 1789, the National Assembly declared the formation of a 'Bourgeois Militia'. This militia, needing weapons, stormed 'Les Invalides', a complex of buildings related to French military history. Public displays of anger had already begun on July 12, 1789.
Storming of Bastille
The crowd of common people faced the Royal German Cavalry Regiment, and Prince de Lambesc released another group of soldiers on the crowd at Place Louis XV. Baron de Besenval, commander of the Royal troops, fearing a massacre of the unarmed crowd, withdrew his cavalry towards Sevres. The crowd grew increasingly agitated, looting places where guns, food, or supplies were stored. The Royal troops remained silent amidst the chaos. The militia then stormed Bastille, an event known as the 'Storming of Bastille'.
Bastille
On July 14, 1789, the once-empty prison in Bastille was armed to face the crowd, who demanded its surrender and the arms and gunpowder within. Two representatives were called into the fortress to negotiate. As negotiations dragged on, the crowd grew impatient. Around 1:30 pm, the angry crowd rushed into the courtyard, some climbing the roof and freeing the drawbridge. The soldiers asked the people to move back, but in the chaos, the warnings were misinterpreted as encouragement to enter the gates. The soldiers started firing, and the mob turned violent, believing they were being drawn into a trap.
French Guards
The crowd was joined by the French Guards, who brought two cannons. Despite the Royal troops being camped nearby, they did not intervene. At 5:00 pm, Governor de Launay ordered a cease-fire and handed over a letter containing his terms. The crowd refused, but the governor surrendered due to limited food and water. The gates of the inner courtyard were opened, and the fortress of Bastille was freed at 5:30 pm. Governor Marquis de Launey was dragged by the crowd and stabbed to death. The French Guards protected the regiment and sent them back. Lieutenant Louis de Flue attributed the blame to the 5000 Royal Troops camping in Champs de Mars for failing to act during the attack.
Abolition of Feudalism and Declaration of the Rights of Man
With numerous peasant revolts, feudalism was nearing its end. On August 4 and 11, 1789, the National Constituent Assembly eliminated feudalism and privileges through the August Decrees. Personal serfdom was abolished, along with rights previously exclusive to the nobility. The tithe, a 10% tax collected by the First Estate in the name of the Church, was also abolished. Towns, nobles, provinces, cities, and clergy lost their special privileges. Peasants were required to pay to have seigneurial dues released, affecting over a quarter of France's farmlands.
August Decrees
Other proposals included equality in punishment, open access to public offices, freedom of worship, and conversion of tithes into recoverable payments. Peasants' lands were freed from compulsory taxes. The decisions made in August 1789 were integrated into modern French government. The aristocratic society was dismantled, individuals were free to do anything not prohibited by law. The old system of law structured on 13 regional parliaments was deferred in November 1789 and abolished by September 1790. The pillars of the old government were demolished overnight.
Declaration of the Rights of Man
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, published on August 26, 1789, declared values more than a constitution with lawful effect. The National Constituent Assembly acted as both a legislature and a body drafting a new constitution.
The October March
The October March, also known as The Women’s March on Versailles, was another significant event in the French Revolution. On October 5, 1789, French women protested the increased prices and shortage of bread. Their actions merged with the revolutionaries' pursuit of political reforms. The small group of women grew into a crowd of thousands, who, invigorated by revolutionary protesters, looted the city armoury for weapons and marched to the Palace of Versailles.
Women's March on Versailles
They surrounded the palace grounds and confronted King Louis XVI with their demands. The palace was raided, and the king was forced to go to Paris with the mob, which had grown to 60,000. The mob arrived at the Tuileries Palace, which had been abandoned for a long time. The women of Paris were celebrated for their actions. Mayor Jean Sylvian Baily officially welcomed King Louis XVI to Paris. Many monarch deputies did not go to Paris, fearing the mob, and some fled the country.
Dechristianisation of the Church
The revolution initiated a shift of power from the Roman Catholic Church to the state. For centuries, the Church had been powerful and the largest landowner in France, owning 10% of the lands. The Church did not pay taxes but collected tithes, a 10% tax on income, in the form of crops from peasants, with a small portion distributed among the needy. The Church was widely disliked, and its power diminished with the opening of the Estates General in May 1789.
August Decrees
The August Decrees nullified the Church’s power to impose tithes. To address the nation's financial crisis, on November 2, 1789, it was declared that all Church property was at the nation’s disposal. The property was used to support the new currency, assignats. The country took over responsibilities such as paying the clergy and caring for the sick, poor, and orphans. The Assembly auctioned off land in December 1789 to the highest bidder. Within a couple of years, the value of assignats decreased by 25%.
Civil Constitution of the Clergy
Next, monastic vows and religious instructions were dissolved. Nuns and monks were encouraged to return to normal lives, and many married. On July 12, 1790, the Civil Constitution of the Clergy was passed, making the remaining clergy employees of the nation. An election system was established for parish priests and bishops, with a specific pay scale for the entire clergy. Catholics opposed this election system as it rejected the Pope’s power in Rome over the Church of France.
Oath of Loyalty
A group of bishops wrote a declaration stating their unwillingness to accept the law. The National Assembly then required all clergy to take an oath of loyalty. Some took the oath, while others remained loyal to the Pope, causing a rift in the Church. Those who swore the oath were known as constitutional clergy, while those against it were known as refractory or non-juring clergy. In regions like Vendee, Brittany, and Normandy, very few priests took the oath, infuriating civilians.
Republican Calendar
With only 24% of clergy loyal to the legislation, people turned against the clergy, forcing them into exile, and many were executed as traitors. Pope Pius VI in Rome did not accept the Civil Constitution, further isolating the French Church. In 1793, a new Republican Calendar was developed with 10-day weeks, making it difficult for Catholics to remember Saint days and Sundays. Holidays decreased from 52 to 37, annoying workers.
Reign of Terror
Dechristianisation peaked during the 'Reign of Terror', ending around 1794. Thousands of priests were arrested and imprisoned, and many were killed. Churches were vandalised, and religious images were destroyed. The revolution aimed to completely replace the Catholic Church. Local festivals were celebrated instead of religious ones. The Cult of Reason was established as an opposition to the Church, aiming for human perfection through liberty and truth.
Cult of Reason
This led to counter-rebellions as locals, along with hunted clergy, attacked the revolutionists. The campaign was eventually abandoned and replaced by the non-Christian Cult of the Supreme Being. Napoleon Bonaparte later halted dechristianisation and re-established the relationship between the French State and the Catholic Church of Rome, lasting until 1905.
War in the Vendee
The harassment of the clergy and the Church led to the War in the Vendee, starting in 1793. The people of Vendee, less educated than Parisians, relied on the Church for their daily lives. When Paris sought to remove the Church's influence, they revolted. The Royal Army, Catholic Army, and local people supported this revolt against the military of Vendee and the Republican armies.
Battle of Savenay
Numerous battles were fought, with the Battle of Savenay being the decisive victory for the Republicans against the Catholic and Royal Army. A massacre ensued, with thousands killed and executed, sparing no prisoners, women, or children. Monarchy was on the brink of extinction, and these events ensured its end. France was undergoing reformation, establishing a new balance of power for the common people.
Intrigues and Radicalism
Groups in the National Assembly became more distinct. Jean Sifrein Maury and Jacques Antoine Marie de Cazales formed the right wing, opposing the revolution. Others like Jean Joseph Mounier, Comte de Clermont Tonnerre, Pierre VitorMalouet, Comte de Lally Tollendal, Comte de Virieualong, and Necker wanted revolution but favoured a British-style constitution. The National Party, comprising Bailly and Honore Mirabeau, formed the centre. The opposition included Adrien Duport Barnave and Alexandre Lameth.
Political Clubs
Maximilien Robespierre and Abbe Sieyes proposed laws and changes, with Sieyes brokering agreements between the centre and left. Many committees became independent, and the National Guards under Lafayette gained power. Although members of the Estates General were selected for a year, the Tennis Court Oath ensured their unity until the French Constitution was in place. Despite calls for elections from the right, Mirabeau opposed them. The French Army was in disarray, with soldiers revolting against aristocratic officers.
Jacobin Club
General Bouille suppressed one such rebellion but was accused of being anti-revolutionary. Many soldiers deserted, leaving few experienced personnel to control the army. Numerous political clubs emerged, including the 152-member Jacobin Club, formed on August 10, 1790, for political debates. Differing views on the political system led to the formation of separate clubs. A new judicial structure was established, with temporary magistrates not responsible to the king.
King Louis XVI’s Attempt to Flee the Country
All hereditary offices were abolished, leaving only the monarch. People gained the freedom to practise any trade after obtaining a license, but strikes were prohibited. Louis XVI, troubled by the revolution's course, was advised by his brother and wife to seek refuge in other countries. Though not taking a particular side, he feared for his safety and decided to flee, like thousands of aristocrats, planning to go to Austria.
Flight to Varennes
General Bouille promised refuge in his camp at Montmedy. On June 20, 1791, the King and his family, disguised as servants, fled the Tuileries Palace at night. The cover-up failed, and they were caught at Varennes. The Assembly temporarily suspended Louis XVI, and he and his queen were placed under guard. This further aggravated the common people against the nobility and clergy, pushing towards a constitutional monarchy.
End of National Constituent Assembly and Establishment of Legislative Assembly
Most members of the National Constituent Assembly favoured a constitutional monarchy. After reaching conciliation, Louis XVI swore loyalty to the constitution, agreeing that leading an army against the nation or allowing someone to do so would result in him giving up his position. Most patriotic clubs and newspapers were shut down due to massacres. Mere differences in thought created chaos, and many went into hiding.
Declaration of Pillnitz
Amidst the internal mayhem, a threat emerged from outside France. Louis XVI’s brother-in-law, Holy Roman Emperor Leopold II, Louis’ brother Comte d’Artois Charles Phillipe, and King Frederick William II of Prussia issued the Declaration of Pillnitz. The declaration threatened war if the French King was not restored to his rightful position. Leopold, not intending war, issued the declaration to please Comte d’Artois, enraging the French people.
Legislative Assembly
The Assembly members had decided to refrain from joining the new legislature (Legislative Assembly). All constitutional laws were compiled into one constitution and submitted to Louis XVI, who, after his temporary dismissal, was restored to his position. The King accepted it and pledged in writing to protect it from foreign attacks and enforce the written laws. The Assembly was addressed by the King and applauded for his speech. This marked the end of the National Constituent Assembly, which was suspended on September 30, 1791.
Constitutional Monarchy
Out of a population of 25 million, about 4 million people voted, forming the Legislative Assembly. France would now function as a constitutional monarchy. The King’s powers were shared with the Legislative Assembly, granting him the right to veto and select ministers. He vetoed a law threatening emigres (people who fled from France) with death and another proposing that all non-juring clergy take the civic oath within eight days.
Girondins and Jacobins
The newly formed Legislative Assembly faced many challenges. Some members called for war against Prussia and Austria, known as the Girondins, while those against it were known as Jacobins or Montagnards. This opposition would alienate members in the coming years. Prussia and Austria displayed intentions of war with France, and Assembly leaders sought to exploit this situation, believing a victory would strengthen government support. On April 20, 1792, France declared war on Austria. By the end of April, they attacked and took over Austrian Netherlands, now Luxembourg and Belgium.
Constitutional Monarchy Fails to Run France
The Assembly failed to administer the country effectively, evidenced by an unruly navy and army, riots, and an empty treasury. They could not consolidate the Revolution's achievements for several reasons. Their attempts to overrule the Roman Catholic Church by selling its lands, closing operations and monasteries, and replacing them with a new structure dismayed peasants and religious people. The King, unhappy with his limited powers, sought help from foreign monarch allies to alter this change.
Tuileries Palace
When these foreign allies threatened to overthrow France, the people responded vehemently. Peasants refused to pay land taxes and dues to landowners. The working class in cities, especially Paris, resented the professionals and property owners who had confiscated the spoils of the Revolution. The whole of Paris opposed the King and wanted the Assembly to overthrow him, but the Assembly hesitated. On August 10, 1792, an angry mob of Parisians, rebels, and soldiers from across France attacked the King’s residence at the Tuileries Palace, killing the Swiss Guards.
Legislative Assembly Suspended the Monarchy
Louis XVI and his family fled to the Assembly, gathered in the Salle du Manego, becoming prisoners. In a session later that day, the Legislative Assembly suspended the monarchy, with most deputies being Jacobins. In response, the Duke of Brunswick of Prussia attacked France on August 19, 1792, and surrounded Longwy. The Assembly sent non-juring priests to western France, considering them a danger. Peasants, angered by this act, took over Vendee.
September Massacres
The government now depended on rebellious communities. As foreign armies advanced, the Assembly hunted for traitors. Parisians, furious over the Prussian army's attack and the peasant uprising, spread rumours that prisoners were plotting with the nation's enemies. On September 2, 3, and 4, 1792, they ransacked the prisons of Paris, killing around 1500 prisoners, including criminals and priests. Jean Paul Marat, a revolutionist, urged other cities to follow Paris's example.
National Convention
Almost all cities killed prisoners and non-juring priests, with the Assembly taking little action. A huge argument erupted within the Assembly, labeling those who allowed the attacks as terrorists. Pandemonium ensued, with people slaughtered and the government unable to control the situation. This continued until the National Convention was formed, the third government tasked with writing a new constitution. On September 20, 1792, the team abolished monarchy and declared France a republic on September 21, 1792. September 22, 1792, was designated as the start of the first year of the French Republican Calendar.
Execution of Louis XVI Followed by Reign of Terror
The Prussian and Imperial Armies threatened war if France did not reinstate monarchy, and amidst this chaos, Louis XVI was deemed a conspirator. On January 17, 1793, Louis XVI was sentenced to death for conspiring against public safety and liberty by a closed group of the Convention. Addressed as Citoyen (citizen) Louis Capet, he was executed by guillotine on January 21, 1793. Monarchies and conservatives, shocked by the execution, called for war against France.
Reign of Terror
The nation was drowning in wars, allowing the Jacobins to regain power. However, famine and food shortages made the situation uncontrollable. Maximilien Robespierre, the Jacobin leader, also faced the guillotine. During the Reign of Terror, thousands were killed by the guillotine, some after trials, but many without. The French Constitution of 1793, adopted by the Convention on June 24, 1793, was the first Republican constitution of France.
Republican Army
The Jacobins were now stronger. The Republican Army suppressed revolts. Goods were seized from exiles and opponents of the Revolution and distributed among the needy. The situation was slowly brought under control. After Louis XVI’s execution, his Queen soon followed. Many others, such as Brissot, Bailly, and Madame Roland, were also executed, being Girondins.
Girondins
During the Reign of Terror, many died due to political actions or thoughts, but most were killed on suspicion of treachery. None were spared; if they avoided the guillotine, they were beaten to death by the crowd. The Girondins took control of the French government from July 1794 and began their revenge for the deaths caused by the Jacobins. Their Jacobin Club was shut down, and their revenge is known as the White Terror.
White Terror
The Republican Calendar was changed back to the normal seven-day weeks. Freedom of religion was granted on February 21, 1795, with some limitations: no religious signs outside churches or homes, and bells were not to be rung. By October, people became overly enthusiastic about going to church, so the government, like in 1790, asked priests to take oaths.
March on Versailles
In late 1794 and early 1795, people, especially women, took to the streets due to bread shortages. Like the March on Versailles, they went to the Convention, who turned the crowd back. This happened again in May when a crowd attacked the Convention and killed one deputy, hoping to be heard, but the Convention ignored them. The angry Convention banned women from participating in political events, and deputies who supported this act were executed. Street fighting was no longer tolerated.
Peace Treaties
France made peace with Spain and Prussia and had conquered Belgium in 1794 and the Dutch Republic in 1795.
The Directory and Coup
The Constitution of the Year III was passed by the Convention on August 25, 1795, and took effect on September 27, 1795. There were two Chambers: the ‘Council of 500’, which made laws, and the ‘Council of Elders’, which studied and passed laws. One-third of the Chambers would be renewed annually. Five directors held executive power. They tried to stabilise the nation, but the situation remained dire, though some improvements occurred.
French Revolution
In a coup on November 9 and 10, 1799, the five directors of the Convention were replaced by three Consuls: Sieyes, Napoleon, and Roger Ducos. In the name of the French Revolution, Napoleon conquered more than half of Italy by 1799. France now had many satellites that had to pay huge subsidies. The governmental and political systems were modernised, and Piedmont and Belgium became important parts of France.
Louis XVIII
In the coming years, the Bourbons were restored to the throne, and Louis XVI’s brother, Louis XVIII, became King. France is now a Republic. The Prime Minister heads the government and, with his ministers, manages government affairs, appointed by the President. Despite ending many societal evils, the Revolution resulted in thousands of deaths. The French Revolution exemplifies the power of the common person. Besides France, other countries, especially Italy, benefited from this revolt. It was a Revolution of mortality.
