Au coeur de l'histoire - La fête de la Fédération de 1790 le premier 14 juillet

Summary

On the eve of Bastille Day, 'Au Coeur de l'Histoire' narrates the story of the first Bastille Day celebration in 1790, a year after the revolution's start. The script details the preparations for the Fête de la Fédération, a grand event to commemorate French unity and the revolution's ideals. It describes the construction of the Champ de Mars, the participation of diverse social classes, and the symbolic oath-taking by King Louis XVI, marking France's transition to a constitutional monarchy. The episode also touches on the political turmoil leading to the king's eventual flight and capture, foreshadowing the darker chapters of the revolution.

Takeaways

• 🎉 The script narrates the story of the first Bastille Day celebration, known as the Fête de la Fédération, which took place on July 14, 1790, a year after the storming of the Bastille and the beginning of the French Revolution.
• 🏰 The event was organized to commemorate the unity of the nation and the founding event of the French Revolution, with grand preparations including the construction of an amphitheater, stands, and an arch of triumph on the Champ de Mars.
• 👷‍♂️ Over 1200 workers were involved in the construction, and citizens of Paris were encouraged to participate in the preparations, reflecting a collective enthusiasm for the celebration.
• 👑 The royal family, including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, played a significant role in the event, with the king swearing an oath to the new constitution, symbolizing a shift from absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.
• 🗣️ Lafayette, a key figure in the revolution, led the ceremony and swore an oath on behalf of the nation, further emphasizing the unity and the new political direction of France.
• 🌟 Despite the rain, the event was a massive success, with a large crowd attending and showing support for the king and the new constitution, marking a moment of national consensus.
• 📜 The script also touches on the political backdrop, including the Civil Constitution of the Clergy and the tensions it caused with the Catholic Church, foreshadowing future conflicts.
• 🛑 The king's eventual approval of the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, against the advice of the Pope, led to a divide within the clergy and set the stage for further religious and political strife.
• 🏃‍♂️ The script hints at the king's later attempt to flee the country, which failed and marked a turning point in the revolution, leading to his eventual arrest and the decline of the monarchy.
• ⚖️ The celebration of 1790 contrasts with the darker turn of the revolution, culminating in the execution of the king and queen, and the rise of the Republic, highlighting the fleeting nature of the unity displayed at the Fête de la Fédération.

Q & A

What event is celebrated on the 14th of July in France?

The 14th of July in France is known as Bastille Day, which commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a turning point in the French Revolution.

Why was the Fête de la Fédération in 1790 significant?

The Fête de la Fédération in 1790 was significant because it celebrated the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille and symbolized the unity of the nation after the revolution. It also marked the king's oath to the new constitution, transitioning France from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.

What was the Champ de Mars like during the preparations for the Fête de la Fédération?

During the preparations for the Fête de la Fédération, the Champ de Mars was transformed into a massive construction site with nearly 1200 workers. It featured an amphitheater, a grandstand for spectators, and an altar to the fatherland, all constructed in less than three weeks.

Who were the main participants in the Fête de la Fédération?

The main participants in the Fête de la Fédération included the king and the royal family, the National Assembly, representatives from the 83 departments of France, and over 14,000 members of the National Guard from across the provinces.

What was the role of the public in the Fête de la Fédération?

The public played a significant role in the Fête de la Fédération by actively participating in the construction and organization of the event. They also attended in large numbers, showing their support and enthusiasm for the celebration of national unity.

How did the people of Paris react to the Fête de la Fédération?

The people of Paris were highly enthusiastic about the Fête de la Fédération. They participated in the preparations, attended the event despite the rain, and showed their support for the king and the new constitution.

What was the political climate in France leading up to the Fête de la Fédération?

The political climate in France leading up to the Fête de la Fédération was tense but hopeful. The country was transitioning from a monarchy to a constitutional government, and the Fête was seen as a symbol of national unity and a new beginning.

What was the impact of the Civil Constitution of the Clergy on the Fête de la Fédération?

The Civil Constitution of the Clergy, which restructured the French Catholic Church and reduced the king's influence over it, was a contentious issue that cast a shadow over the Fête de la Fédération. Despite this, the king's approval of the constitution during the Fête was seen as a step towards national unity.

How did the Fête de la Fédération influence the perception of the royal family among the French people?

The Fête de la Fédération temporarily improved the perception of the royal family among the French people by showcasing their support for the revolution and the new constitution. However, this positive sentiment was short-lived as political tensions continued to rise.

What were the long-term consequences of the Fête de la Fédération?

The long-term consequences of the Fête de la Fédération were mixed. While it momentarily united the nation and the royal family with the people, it also marked the beginning of a series of events that would lead to the king's eventual flight, capture, and execution, as well as the rise of the French Republic.