The Pursuit Of Individual Freedom And Social Equality In Revolutionary France

The Pursuit of Individual Freedom and Social Equality in Revolutionary France
A flawed fixed social structure and fiscal mismanagement are some of the plethora of issues that demonstrated the disdain for the rights of man in pre-revolutionary times. During this time, unequal distribution of wealth, status, and land lead to the economic downfall of France. To put a stop to the financial ruin, leaders knew they needed to make a radical change to their taxation system. Because the first and second estate benefited from tax exemption, the third estate felt the need to fight for their individual freedom and social equality, bringing about the revolution, it’s main goal being the pursuit of the rights of man.
French society consisted of an unequal
The Committee of Public safety formed to protect the newly formed republic from outside attacks and internal conflicts. Maximilien Robespierre, the leader of the Committee of Public Safety, introduced new legislation and expressed his ideals in a series of speeches. These speeches touched on the nature of public virtue and theory of revolutionary government. Robespierre differentiated a revolutionary government from a constitutional government, saying, “It has nothing in common with arbitrary rule; it is public interest that governs it and not the whims of private individuals” (Hanson 170). From this statement, it is clear that Robespierre’s revolutionary view focused on the importance of public interest instead of solely influential members who make up the first and second estates. The constitution of 1793 motivated the efforts of the committee as they worked to stabilize the economy. Individual freedoms and social equality would flourish under these principles, but Robespierre’s power went to his head. Paranoid that counterrevolutionary traitors would interfere with the government, Robespierre launched the Reign of Terror. The Terror served as an emergency form of government that was meant to scare the citizens into conforming to Robespierre’s ideals. Robespierre’s republic of virtue quickly diminished as men lost the majority of their rights. Because Robespierre executed anyone who expressed an opinion that lead him to believe they were a traitor, the citizens lacked freedom of speech, their opinions, and even their property. All progress towards individual freedom and equality the French government made since overthrowing the monarchy was essentially reversed. Filled with paranoia and fear caused by the Terror, the people wanted to eliminate Robespierre because he had grown to become almost dictator-like. Once the economy stabilized, Robespierre no longer had a purpose,