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THE FRENCH REVOLUTION

THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. PIVOTAL EVENT OF 18 TH CENTURY. Transformed social values & political systems. Replaced old regime with modern society. Slogan = “ Liberty, Equality, Fraternity ”. Bloody conflicts presented dilemma of means vs. ends. THE FRENCH REVOLUTION.

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THE FRENCH REVOLUTION

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  1. THE FRENCH REVOLUTION

  2. THE FRENCH REVOLUTION PIVOTAL EVENT OF 18TH CENTURY • Transformed social values & political systems • Replaced old regime with modern society • Slogan = “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” • Bloody conflicts presented dilemma of means vs. ends

  3. THE FRENCH REVOLUTION ORIGINS • Incompetence of French monarchy • Louis XVI not particularly capable • Marie Antoinette perceived as frivolous & callous Louis XVI (r. 1774-1792) Marie Antoinette

  4. THE FRENCH REVOLUTION ORIGINS • Enlightenment & public opinion • Philosophes highly critical of existing system • But not revolutionary • Underground literature more subversive • Portrayed aristocracy as decadent & monarchy as ridiculous despotism

  5. THE FRENCH REVOLUTION ORIGINS • Fiscal crisis of French government • Huge war debt • Tax exemptions of elite = insufficient revenues • Incompetence of system

  6. THE FRENCH REVOLUTION ORIGINS • Desire for institutional change • Estates General called in 1789 • THIRD ESTATE = driving force of Revolution • King insisted on vote “by order” • Delegates of 3rd Estate wanted vote “by head”

  7. THE FRENCH REVOLUTION ORIGINS • The Estates General: 1789 • 3rd Estate refused to meet separately • Proclaimed itself the NATIONAL ASSEMBLY • Took “TENNIS COURT OATH” • King recognized Assembly, ordered other Estates to join it

  8. THE FRENCH REVOLUTION THE CONVERGENCE OF REVOLUTIONS • Masses mobilizing over issues of basic subsistence • Faced severe economic difficulties • Suspicious of aristocrats • Finance Minister Jacques Necker dismissed • STORMING OF THE BASTILLE: July 14, 1789

  9. THE FRENCH REVOLUTION THE CONVERGENCE OF REVOLUTIONS • Spread of revolt • Cities set up revolutionary governments & militias • Revolt in countryside: THE GREAT FEAR • Peasants attack noble landlords & manors

  10. THE FRENCH REVOLUTION THE CONVERGENCE OF REVOLUTIONS • Night of August 4: Assembly deputies renounce privileges, appease peasants • Issue “Declaration of the Rights of Man & Citizen” • Men equal in rights • Sovereignty of nation against king or any other • Authority of legitimate law supreme • Liberty defined as ability to do whatever does not harm another

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