The French Revolution

Roots of Liberalism Judeo-Christian and Greek roots Enlightenment Foundation Locke’s Notion of the Rights of Englishmen Liberalism does not equal what Americans mean by “liberal” Classical liberalism supports a system of laws No one is above said law – direct opposition to an autocratic, absolutism system

Liberty is not the same as equality Liberty Equality The notion of individual human rights A new type of government in which the people are sovereign The importance of a representative assembly The importance of a written constitution The notion of self- determination Freedom to accumulate property Equality of rights and civil liberties Equality before the law No special privileges for the rich Equality of opportunity “Careers Open to Talent” Inherent tension between liberty and equality

“A Dual Revolution” = Modern Era The French Revolution was the inaugural European revolution The French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution together transformed the western world This “Dual Revolution” changed everything politically, socially and economically Triumph of European states and economies globally

“The Atlantic Revolution” French Revolution was a part of a whole series of revolutions which took place beginning in the late 18th century --Political agitation in England, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Hungary, Poland and the American colonies (not just North American, either) One big movement of revolutionary agitation

British North America Landmark idea of “All Men are Created Equal” Realities of this thought much different (slaves, women, non-landowners, etc) The significance of the American constitution The influence of the American Revolution on other revolutions

Central and South America Independence from Spanish rule Simon Bolivar, the father of Latin American independence Despite “liberating the colonies” there was a continued dominance of the white minority The abolition of the slave trade is set in motion --United States abolished this trade in 1808

The French Revolution More fundamental and profound consequences than the American Revolution France = most powerful and populous state in Europe (~25 million people) Massive social revolution Worldwide impact Becomes model for future revolutions –think about why this might be as we move forward through our studies

Origins Began as a revolt of the aristocracy Attempt to capitalize on the financial woes of the monarchy Breaking down the Absolutist system set up by Louis XIV and his ministers Only solution = tax reform and a direct tax on all property Aristocracy refused and forces the issue

The Estates-General An old feudal assembly that had not met since 1614 Three Estates: Clergy – 1st Nobility (or aristocracy) – 2nd All Others (peasants, professionals, artisans, etc) – 3rd The significance of the voting procedure 1st and 2nd estates, by numbers about 2 – 3% of population had a majority of votes in E-G The miscalculation and lack of social awareness of the aristocracy

The Third Estate Who were they? Third Estate was dominated by the middle class or bourgeoisie (boug-wah-zhee) Blurring of aristocratic and bourgeois classes by 1789 Old money v. New Money Overall -Middle class would come out to be winners through revolution Revolutionary goals of the middle class inspired by Enlightenment

An Agenda of Classical Liberalism For bourgeoisie, a representative government did not mean democracy or “mob rule” Estates-General became the National Assembly in June of 1789 with the power to frame a constitution Locked the 3rd estate out of the discussion 3rd estate vowed to not go unheard - “Tennis Court Oath” (6/20/1789)

Revolutionaries in the Streets Who were they? “Sans-culottes” (without knee britches) Picked up the ideas and slogans of the Revolution from the more educated leadership of lawyers and journalists

What were the Motivations of these Revolutionaries? Poverty and Hunger Low wages and fear of unemployment Heightened expectations and the exposure to a political perspective -- “Cahiers” Strong dislike for and distrust of the wealthy The role of conspiracy

A Case Study: Storming the Bastille Events of the night of July 13, 1789 Reasons for the attack on the Bastille the next morning The stubbornness of the governor of the fortress Celebrations on the night of July 14th Sparks tremendous popular revolution all over France

The Great Fear Independent revolutionary agitation in the countryside Rumors of Royalist troops becoming wandering vandals Fear breeds fear and peasants start marching Within 3 weeks of July 14, the countryside of France had been completely changed

Declaration of the Rights of Man—August 27, 1789

The Court Returns to Paris Mounting unemployment and hunger in Paris in the fall of 1789 March to Versailles “October Days” “The point is that we want bread!” Women nearly killed the Queen The Royal Family forced to return to Paris on October 6, 1789

The Consolidation of the Liberal Revolution Events from October 1789 through September 1791 Abolition of the French nobility as a legal order Constitutional Monarchy established Economic centralization Nationalization of the Church Stage set for subsequent civil war

Meanwhile…Popular Political Mobilization Revolutionary Talk More than 500 new newspaper Oath of Loyalty motto -“Liberte, Equalite, Fraternite!” Revolutionary symbols Revolutionary Clubs The Jacobins Girondins (other club, less radical)

Growing Radicalism Reasons: Results: Snowball Effect Unsatisfied Expectations Outbreak of war against France by outside forces Results: Increasing Violence Change in Political Leadership

Robespierre: Reign of Terror Jacobin that formed his own sect within the club – “The Mountain” with lawyer, Georges Danton Creates the Committee of Public Safety Works in the concept of “Total War” for the revolution More socialist Maximum price ceilings on certain goods Nationalization of small workshops

The Reign of Terror (cont.) Under Robespierre’s reign: Execution of 40,000 “Enemies of the Nation” – many were from 3rd estate Stressed radical definition of equality – forcing it upon the people of France Wanted a legal maximum on personal wealth Wanted a regulation of commercial profits End of Robespierre’s dictatorship on July 28, 1794 when his followers turn against him

The Directory and Napoleon Bonaparte Bourgeois return to order Focus on upper middle class desires Suppression of other members of 3rd estate A call to rationalism (some say too far) Thermidorian calendar Suppression of any faith Through Directory - Napoleon’s Rise to Power Things to come under Napoleon: The Napoleonic Code Establishment of the Bank of France Reconciliation with the Catholic Church - Concordat of 1801 Heavy Censorship Napoleon’s “Art of War”

Legacies of the French Revolution A revolutionary “model” Rise of mass political consciousness Varying interpretations of the Revolution Conservative View: Edmund Burke Liberal View: Thomas Jefferson Conflict within the Liberal Tradition Raised the question of “Libertarianism” vs. “Egalitarianism”