Revolution - French History - Liberty, Equality
and Fraternity
The French Revolution | Rousseau and
Voltaire | Demands for Political and Fiscal Reforms | Bastille Prison | Declaration
of the Rights of Man | Popular Revolt by the Mob | The Reign of Terror | Enlightenment
The early 18th century in France was a time
of hardship for the people, when especially cold winters ravaged
the land and harvests were poor. The wars’ negative
effects were also felt and all of this together led to food
riots and general discontent of the French population, who
began demanding political and fiscal reform. Most of the French
population consisted of commoners, resentful of the privileges
enjoyed by the upper classes. With the period known as the
Enlightenment, came thinkers such as Rousseau and Voltaire,
who began questioning the pillars of the absolute monarchy
and speaking in favor of a free, equal society. The first
seeds of revolution slowly began to germinate.
Finally in 1789, the climax of the crisis arrived, when in
Paris a huge mob began revolting and storming the Bastille
prison, which symbolized political oppression for the people.
This marked the beginning of the French revolution. The Declaration
of the Rights of Man, a document drafted by Emmanuel Sieyès,
embodying the three essential principles of Liberté,
Egalité, and Fraternité (Liberty, Equality and
Fraternity), was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on August
26, 1789 in an effort to end the French feudal class system.
The Revolution in France brought many changes,
including the trial and execution of the king, Louis XVI,
the queen and many nobles, priests and commoners. The Jacobin
faction established the Committee of Public Safety which brought
on what is known as the Reign of Terror.
