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To what extent can Louis XVI be blamed for the success of the French…
To what extent can Louis XVI be blamed for the success of the French Revolution between 1789 & 1793
INTRODUCTION
STEP ONE
To what extent
question meaning you need to respond with a) To a large/full extend OR b) to a somewhat extent OR c) to a little extent
STEP TWO
Broad contextual statement -
contextualise by answer where, when, who & what (eg. the french revolution would take place between 1789 & 1794 in France. It is here that LXVI would be...)
STEP THREE
Outline argument
- Briefly summerise the key points that you are going to talk about in your essay. I.E without adding facts, highlight the events that you are going to cover.
1) Estates General
Why?
In response to LXVI firing Necker. Necker was an advocate for economic reform and supported by the Third Estate
The firing of Necker lead to wide-spread riot. LXVI was forced to call EG for the first time 175 years to stop violence
When?
4 May 1789
Who?
Representation from each Estate (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
What?
Meeting between all the estates to discuss the social economic and political state in France. All estates are represented but voting is proportional to size of the esatate.
LOA
How was LXVI involved/at fault
LXVI was biased to the first two Estates therefore he did not act fairly which frustrated the Third estate - this would lead to the advocating for change.
LXVI was
FORCED
to call the EG showing that he was not a strong enough leader quell the violence without bowing to the will of the people
BACKGROUND
American War of independence
The French assist in American Revolution , showing french military that they can overcome unfair Tyranny
New Philosphes
Jean-Jacques Rosseau & Voltaire -
"Men are born free, but everywhere is in chains"
These philosophies would resonate with French Middle Class
LOA
LXVI sent French troops to fight against Tyranny while being a Tyrant himself. From here, the philosophical ideas were actually realised and therefore allowed for the French people to stand up against LXVI
2) Tennis Court Oath
When?
20 June 1789
Why?
LXVI was resistant to change and ousted the National Assembly from meeting in their usual place
What?
The essence was that the NA would not stop until France has a constitution
Who?
The Third Estate + The Clergy = National Assembly
LOA
LXVI response to the National Assembly forming was underwhelming. Very little 'real resistance' by LXVI to the TCO & NA
LXVI did very little in response to the NA's disregard for his authoity
3) The Storming of the Bastille
When?
14 July 1789
Who?
The National Assembly
LOA
LXVI created the Bastille as a 'target': LXVI also assembled an army at his Palace and offered no other reasons for this, allowing for the fear to spread throughout France
Why?
The NA + Parisains needed weaponry as they believed that LXVI was amassing an army to attach and destroy them
They ransacked the Bastille as it had gunpowder and ammunition
What?
The Parisians mob attacked the hated Bastille in order to obtain gunpowder and weaponry to defend themselves against the perceived
4) Abolition of Feudal Rights and Privileges
Who?
The NA vs The Landowners (mostly the nobility)
What?
French Society was based Feudalism, therefore classes were based on land. Land was only given to Nobilities by the King. The NA wanted to break the cycle and therefore needed to destroy feudalism
Why?
To destroy the class system in France & to force for equality (eg. Military conscription & taxation)
When?
July 1789
LOA
LXVI was hesitant to upset the French social structure and therefore did little to make the lives of the NA and 3rd Estate easier. He was complicit in these rights that were only afforded to a few
5) The Declaration of Man and Citizen
Who?
French Men & Citizens (not including Women or men in the colonies
What?
Declaration that everyone in France should be equal before law and equality should not be based on 'class'. Ironically not all were included in this declaration
When?
26 August 1789
Why?
Declares that rights are given from the land and the people in the land rather than divine right. This is linked to the abolition of Feudalism in France
LOA
LXVI was complicit in benefitting from longstanding tradition of 'divine rights'. He did not respond to the claims made by the NA in DRMaC
6) Removal of the Royal Family/The Women's bread march
Who?
The NA + The women of Paris
Why?
Food shortages in Paris yet LXVI is hosting feasts in Versalles. French women march for an audience with the King
What?
A March to Versalles to demand and audience with the King and force the expedition of NA legislation
When?
5 October 1789
LOA
LXvI was out of touch with the needs of the people. LXVI is complicit in returning to Paris under duress, accepting the DRMac & shows little resistance to the public.
7) Execution of LXVI
What?
LXVI was executed by the public trial after the Monarchy was abolished
Who?
LXVI + The NC
Why?
LXVI was executed for treason against France after displaying a resistance to the revolution and trying to flea France in favour of safety in Austria (with whom France are at war with.)
When?
21 January 1793
LOA
LXVI is executed by his people after they were able to abolish the Monarch in France. This shows that LXVI was a weak leader and ultimately lead to his own demise.
Conclusion
A Brief summary of the arguments that we have put forward for each key event.