French Revolution

France was one of the first European countries to topple its king, and mark an end to its monarchy. However this revolution would come at a cost. It is believed that Maximilien Robespierre, leader of the 12 person committee of public safety during the republic phase of the French revolution (1792-1794(source G), ordered the beheadings of over 45,000 people, in only 2 years, in an attempt to ensure the success of the revolution. Because of this and many other reasons, many people argue over whether this revolution was successful, or just created more problems that it’s started with. Despite these accusations, the French revolution was successful in bettering France for its citizens though solved economic problems, the toppling of the king and queen, and an increased amount of morale.

Before June 20th 1789, when the Oath of the Tennis Court took place, France was in tremendous debt. Millions of people were starving. Those who weren’t, paid an extreme amount of taxes. Of the three estates, the first being the clergy, (400,000 -2%) the 2nd the nobles (150,000 -1%) and the third, everyone else (25 million-97%), only the third estate paid these taxes. Of the dozens of endless taxes, the 6 most renown were the tailed, an income tax, seigniorial, a sort of rent, Curve, the work tax- a couple days out of the year peasants had to work of roads and the upkeep of the infrastructure with no pay, tithe, 10% of income paid to church, Gazelle, tax of salt, and the Aide, a tax on wine

(Source A). In august of 1788 the price of bread was bout 13.5 sous, after the price of flour skyrocketed. The average worker was paid between 15-30 sous a day. That barely enough to buy a loaf of bread, let alone paying the severe taxes, rent, debt, clothing, or simple things like food- other than just one loaf of bread for a family of 3 or more. Under Robespierre, the leader of France during the Republic, the economy stabilized, which led to a developed army. Even after the revolution, France continued to become wealthier, until it was accepted as a world power. If the revolution had never occurred, France might still have been in these severe financial issues.

One of the most renowned icons of the pre revolution period was the monarch. However iconic or “god-like” he may have seemed to be, Louis the XVI and his predecessors only created more problems for France. In other words, the king and queen could not be trusted. Louis XVI and the royal family proved this when they tried to escape to Austria. When he was caught, and dragged back to Paris, people viewed him as a traitor. He was then imprisoned in the Tuilerie palace (source 3). In addition to the queen was accused of sharing classified information about the French army with Austria, her home country. When the country was in severe debt, she proceeded with her lavish spending on garments and other unnecessary items. And when the severe famine occurred, and the general public had nothing but bred to eat, the royal family enjoyed sumptuous feasts every day. When the monarchy was finally disposed of, France was much better off.

After the revolution, a new sense of nationalism was created, which put a little bit of hope in the hearts of poverty stricken families. In addition, their level of morale was boosted. “They leave amidst an enormous crowd; the applause, the outbursts of joy…” this quote was an excerpt from a primary source, written after the Bastille (a military prison) fell to a militia of peasants. In this instance and others, not only men, but also women and children contributed to the revolution as well. This was something rarely seen at the time. Due to this new since of glory, the revolution and post revolution events went smoothly. Without dignity, and respect for one’s country, how could that country grow to be one of the world powers?

Following the relived tension of the economy, the removal of the king and queen, and the new nationalism, France had created itself a better country for all. Even today it is seen as a world power, something that few nations have achieved. This is especially surprising after analyzing France’s past. I France had never gone through the revolution, France may never have changed for the better.