Revolução Francesa - Toda Matéria

Summary

The French Revolution was a pivotal movement in the late 18th century, fueled by the bourgeoisie and supported by peasants and urban workers. It began with the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, signaling a shift in power and the end of the absolute monarchy. The revolution led to the formation of the National Assembly, the drafting of the Declaration of the Rights of Man, and the eventual execution of King Louis XVI. Key phases included the Reign of Terror, the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, and the establishment of a republic, forever altering French society and influencing global politics.

Takeaways

• 😀 The French Revolution was a movement driven by the bourgeoisie, with participation from peasants and urban workers, starting with the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789.
• 😀 France's economy at the end of the 18th century was in crisis due to poor harvests, military expenses in America, and widespread unemployment.
• 😀 The French society was divided into three estates: the clergy (First Estate), the nobility (Second Estate), and the commoners (Third Estate), which included peasants and the bourgeoisie.
• 😀 The bourgeoisie wanted to end the absolute power of King Louis XVI and the excessive taxation, advocating for economic liberalism and more political rights.
• 😀 The Enlightenment, a movement that criticized absolutism and privileges for the clergy and nobility, strongly influenced the French Revolution, with figures like Voltaire and Rousseau inspiring the revolutionaries.
• 😀 The Estates-General was convened by King Louis XVI to address the financial crisis, but the Third Estate demanded voting by head rather than by estate, leading to the formation of the National Constituent Assembly.
• 😀 The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, symbolized the end of oppressive rule and was a key event in the Revolution, marking a significant moment of public uprising.
• 😀 The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen was adopted on August 26, 1789, establishing principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity as the guiding values of the Revolution.
• 😀 After the King’s refusal to sign the Declaration, more popular protests ensued, leading to the confiscation of Church property and the flight of many priests and nobles.
• 😀 The National Assembly completed the Constitution in September 1791, establishing a constitutional monarchy, but the king’s subsequent flight and return to Paris led to the collapse of the monarchy.
• 😀 The French Republic was established, and King Louis XVI was tried, condemned, and executed by guillotine. The Revolution then entered the Reign of Terror, with the radical Jacobins led by Robespierre taking control and executing perceived enemies.
• 😀 The Thermidorian Reaction in 1794 saw the downfall of Robespierre and the end of the Reign of Terror, leading to the establishment of the Directory, a more moderate government.
• 😀 Napoleon Bonaparte, who gained popularity for military successes, eventually overthrew the Directory in a coup (the 18 Brumaire), consolidating power and bringing stability to France while spreading revolutionary ideals across Europe.

Q & A

What was the main driving force behind the French Revolution?

The French Revolution was primarily driven by the bourgeoisie, with significant participation from peasants and urban workers, who were seeking change in the political and social systems of France.

What event on July 14, 1789, is considered a turning point in the French Revolution?

On July 14, 1789, a crowd in Paris stormed the Bastille, a symbol of royal oppression, marking the beginning of the revolution and triggering significant political change.

How was French society structured at the end of the 18th century?

French society was divided into three estates: the First Estate (clergy), the Second Estate (nobility), and the Third Estate (commoners, including peasants, public servants, and the bourgeoisie).

What economic situation led to the French Revolution?

By the late 18th century, France faced severe economic issues, including failing harvests, enormous military expenditures, bankrupt state finances, and rising unemployment and wages cuts.

What was the significance of the 'Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen'?

The Declaration, passed on August 26, 1789, outlined the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which became the revolutionary motto and formed the basis for the rights of citizens.

What role did the Enlightenment play in the French Revolution?

The Enlightenment, a philosophical movement, influenced the French Revolution by advocating for the rights of individuals, critiquing absolute monarchy, and promoting ideas such as equality and freedom of thought.

What was the conflict over voting procedures in the Estates-General?

The Third Estate demanded that voting be done by head (individual votes) rather than by state (group votes), as this would give them a better chance to influence decisions since they were the largest estate.

What led to the fall of the monarchy in France?

The monarchy fell after King Louis XVI attempted to flee with his family, was caught, and brought back to Paris, where he was imprisoned. This led to the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic.

What was the 'Reign of Terror' and who led it?

The 'Reign of Terror' was a period during the French Revolution, led by the radical Jacobins and Maximilien Robespierre, characterized by mass executions of perceived enemies of the revolution using the guillotine.

How did Napoleon Bonaparte come to power after the Revolution?

Napoleon Bonaparte rose to power after military successes and through the coup of 18 Brumaire in 1799, establishing a more centralized government known as the Consulate, which eventually led to his rule as Emperor.