Revolutions Research Paper Model

Beyonce Knowles Global History Mr. Joel April 8, 2009 The French Revolution of 1789 The French Revolution of 1789 can be considered a major turning point in human history. It is important because it is a marker of the modern transition from authoritarian forms of power to more representative forms of government by the people. In addition, it inspired other nationalists and revolutionaries around the world to seek their own independence. As such, an understanding of the French revolution is vital not only for those of French heritage, but also for all of humanity. Although there were several causes that led to the French revolution, they mostly related to economics and social structures in France. From 1715 to 1771, France experienced a significant growth in trade due to the natural wealth of its colonies in the Caribbean. It was second only to Great Britain in terms of trade. Because of the Industrial Revolution, transportation was improving and France’s wealth grew enormously. However, this wealth did not benefit all people in French society. The French were starkly divided into three classes, or estates. The first and second estate— only six percent of the population—held the majority of the wealth. The majority of the population was middle class workers and farmers who still suffered under the same types of feudal arrangements that had lasted from the Middle Ages. Life for the peasants and farmers was very harsh. They had to work very hard to support their families, yet they also had to pay taxes on their land and the goods that they bought. Furthermore, the peasants often went hungry and suffered from famine, malnutrition and disease. This was a very different life from the first and second estates,

which did not have to pay taxes or perform manual labor to make money. However, although France was very wealthy, the kings made several bad decisions. The French kings had financed the Seven Years War and had helped defeat the British during the American Revolution. As a result, France was deeply in debt and in 1789, the king, the nobles and representatives decided to hold a special meeting at Versailles, known as the Estates-General. The last time that the Estates-General had met was 1614. Although a lot had changed in France—population, distribution and cities—the king and the nobles wanted to keep the same rules as 1614, which favored themselves. The people who represented the Third Estate did not like this, so instead they started a National Assembly, claiming that they were truly the government that represented the French people. Although this was met by pressure from the King Louis XVI and the military, eventually the National Assembly won over the clergy and the nobles. While the National Constituent Assembly met and debated how power was to be organized in France, the people were starving in the streets of Paris. The price of bread— a major staple for peasants—had increased and many people could not afford to survive much longer. Moreover, the king got rid of the finance minister, a sign that most people took as a conspiracy to take power away from the Third Estate for good. As the hired troops gathered around Paris and Versailles, the French mobs stormed the Bastille—a military prison and symbol of the king—on July 14, 1789. This highlighted a summer of revolts, looting and violence. To pacify the people, the National Constituent Assembly did two things. First, it took away the tithe that the Third Estate had to pay to the clergy, abolishing feudalism.

Second, it passed the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. This document was modeled after the American Declaration of Independence, in that it stated principles that applied to all people. Although the actions of the Assembly were welcomed by the people, the king did not recognize them, adding to the conflict between the king and the French people. While the French revolution was to continue for many years and peace would not be restored to France for some time, the movement for equality and freedom could not be stopped. As people began to read and hear about the revolution, they became more powerful and demanded their rights. Although the storming of the Bastille would also lead to years of bloodshed, it would eventually lead to a French republic governed by the people. Sources “The French Revolution,” AGS World History, p.513-515 “French Revolution (1787-99),” http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/219315/French-Revolution “French Revolution,” http://www.fsmitha.com/h3/h33-fr.html “French Revolution,” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Revolution