8º Básico: Revolución Francesa y los Derechos del hombre y el Ciudadano. (Guía 12)

Summary

This lesson delves into the French Revolution and the Enlightenment's critical role in shaping modern democratic ideals. It explores the causes of the revolution, including political, social, and economic factors, and the subsequent formation of the National Assembly, the storming of the Bastille, and the abolition of the monarchy. Key documents like the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen are highlighted, emphasizing their impact on human rights and equality. The lesson also touches on the Reign of Terror, the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, and the lasting influence of the revolution on global political systems and human rights today.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Enlightenment emphasized the critique of absolute power, particularly against monarchies and privileges held by kings over the people.
• 😀 Key political principles of the Enlightenment include the division of powers into the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and the sovereignty of the people.
• 😀 The goal of today's lesson is to understand the significance of the French Revolution in the creation of human rights and its ongoing relevance in human rights today.
• 😀 The French Revolution was influenced by prior events such as the U.S. Independence in 1776, marking the beginning of significant political transformations in Europe and Latin America.
• 😀 Causes of the French Revolution included political dissatisfaction with absolute monarchy, economic hardships due to poor harvests, and social inequality between the privileged and the common people.
• 😀 King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette’s extravagant spending contributed to France's financial crisis, which aggravated public discontent.
• 😀 Social inequality in France was evident in the estate system, where 90% of the population (the Third Estate) carried the burdens of taxes, while the privileged classes held political and economic power.
• 😀 The creation of the National Assembly by the Third Estate, alongside some nobles and clergy, marked a pivotal moment in the French Revolution, leading to the drafting of a constitutional framework.
• 😀 The storming of the Bastille and the March on Versailles were critical events symbolizing the people's fight against oppressive rule and inequality.
• 😀 The Revolution led to the abolition of feudal rights, the establishment of equality before the law, and the creation of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, recognizing personal liberties and property rights.
• 😀 The execution of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette marked the end of absolute monarchy in France, but it also led to further turmoil, including the Reign of Terror under Robespierre.
• 😀 Despite the terror, the French Revolution laid the groundwork for the modern political concepts of human rights and equality, later formalized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

Q & A

What were the key political principles emphasized during the Enlightenment?

The key political principles of the Enlightenment included the separation of powers (executive, legislative, judicial), popular sovereignty (the idea that people should elect their leaders), and freedom of thought (including freedom of religion).

How did the Enlightenment influence the French Revolution?

The Enlightenment criticized absolute power and promoted ideals like the separation of powers and popular sovereignty, which directly influenced the French Revolution by encouraging the dismantling of the monarchy and the creation of a more democratic society.

What were the three main causes of the French Revolution?

The French Revolution had three main causes: political (absolute monarchy and lack of power division), economic (poor harvests, rising bread prices, and national debt), and social (inequality in the social structure, with the Third Estate bearing the brunt of taxation).

What was the significance of the Storming of the Bastille?

The Storming of the Bastille was a pivotal event in the French Revolution, symbolizing the destruction of the monarchy's power and marking the beginning of widespread protests and rebellion against the monarchy's absolute authority.

What did the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen accomplish?

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen established important revolutionary principles such as liberty, equality before the law, and the right to property. It laid the foundation for democratic governance and human rights in France.

How did the French Revolution change the political system of France?

The French Revolution led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, where the king lost his legislative powers, which were transferred to a newly formed assembly. This marked the beginning of a more democratic system with a clear division of powers.

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

The Reign of Terror was a period during the French Revolution where thousands of people were executed by guillotine, mostly due to perceived opposition to the revolution. It was led by Maximilien Robespierre and was marked by extreme violence and political purges.

Why was the execution of King Louis XVI significant in the history of France?

The execution of King Louis XVI was significant because it marked the end of the absolute monarchy in France and symbolized the overthrow of royal power, which had been central to the Old Regime.

What impact did Napoleon Bonaparte have on France and Europe?

Napoleon Bonaparte, who rose to power after the revolution, restructured France politically and militarily, establishing the French Empire. His influence spread across Europe, impacting the course of European history and the shape of modern states.

How did the French Revolution contribute to the global recognition of human rights?

The French Revolution, particularly through documents like the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, laid the groundwork for modern human rights frameworks. These ideas influenced the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, establishing rights that apply to all people globally.