How Did The Enlightenment Contribute To The French Revolution

This revolutionary event in history is most noted for the execution of thousands of citizens under the influence of other rebellious acts that grew popularity at the time. Famously, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were included under the list as these were important figures that were deeply involved in French revolutions. Despite this tragedy, this event is often times considered a momentous occasion in French history as it exemplifies the claim that this became the turning point for the outspoken France citizens. In order to acknowledge components of the French Revolution, it is essential to recognize the involvements of previous revolutionary acts, main causes, significant outcomes, recovery or possible solutions, and impacts on modern society.
The American Revolution as well as the Enlightenment majorly influenced or inspired the revolution of the french because they alike, demonstrated unity within people who seeked change or serendipity. The
rebellious principles that took place during these revolutions seemed inspirational as people involved seemed motive driven and impactful with their accomplishments. Since after the American revolution and the Seven Years’ War, France experienced various obstacles, this became a perfect opportunity for people to start resisting against King Louis XIV, who was France’s ruler from 1638 to 1715.
Furthermore, France in the 18th century demonstrated a failure to manage taxes because of the way society was structured was known as the Ancien Regime.
Through this system, people with lower social standings were expected to satisfy taxes, while wealthy upperclassmen were not. Additionally, by 1789, France grew deeply in debt after their involvement in the American Revolution. However, natural complications that took place includes hailstorms that affected harvest and consequently led to hunger. With that being said, the King Louis XVI failure to cope with these complexities resulted in people from the third estate beginning to consider a newly formed national assembly as they wanted independence. These people began to question authority, as they reconsidered teachings of the Catholic church, traditions, as well as logic and science. They established unity within a indoor Tennis court where citizens famously swore to the Tennis Court Oath and agreed not to surrender until a French Constitution was
established.
One of this united establishment’s first rebellious acts was by seizing the Bastille prison on July 14th where rioters freed the very few prisons inside the jail and equip themselves with weapons. This event majorly influenced more revolutionary fervor throughout the countryside since more people began to join in on the revolts because peasants violently burning down homes of tax collectors and other highly respected authority figures. The Great fear, or the “la Grande peur”, inspired the National Constituent prohibit and outlaw feudalism in August of 1789. Furthermore, the French Revolution caused the drifting of the Constitution. Later on, the people of the Assembly agreed on adopting the Declaration of Rights of a Man and of the Citizen as it was an idea practiced during the Enlightenment. This replaced the current system where the ancien regime dominated and established equality, freedom of speech, and other principles that came from the Enlightenment. This appealed to people because it applied to everyone instead of a fixed group of people, such as how the American Bill of Rights only applied to non-slaves. Additionally, a rumor hab spread that Marie Antoinette hoarded grain within the palace. This lead to the Women’s March, where a group of armed peasant women rioted and demanded that King Louis and Marie Antoinette be transported to Versailles in Paris.
Ultimately, the Assembly experienced unexpected misfortune when in April of 1792, the Assembly declared war on Austria and Prussia in hopes that revolutionary ideals would spread throughout Europe. However, this led to their demise as insurgents attacked the royal residence in Paris and forced the King to become arrested in August of 1792. Furthermore, from September 5, 1793, to July 27, 1794, took place the Reign of Terror. After the first French republic was established, the revolutionary government suspended a suspect’s right to public trial and to legal assistance. As a result, the jury was able to execute more than 50,000 people as they were suspected of counter-revolutionary activity or so-called “crimes against liberty.”
The French Revolution created impacted the way France’s society has developed today both socially and economically. For example, because of the significant events that took place on July 14th regarding seizing the Bastille prison, this event is commonly celebrated today in France in commemoration of the national holiday, as the beginning of the French revolution. Moreover, since the French Revolution demonstrated acts of violence and radical ideas, a progressive slogan diminished these oppressive acts. This slogan would be , “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity”, which became the foundation for French society.