To what extent can Louis XVI be blamed for the success of the French Revolution between 1789 & 1793?
INTRODUCTION
1) The Estates General
Background
American War of Independence
New Philosophies
French assist in American Revolution, showing French Military that they can overcome unfair Tyranny
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 realized and therefore allowed for the French people to want to stand up against LXVI
Why?
When?
Who?
What?
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 riots. LXVI was forced to call the EG for the first time 175 years to stop violence.
4 May 1789
Representation from each estate (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Meeting between all the estates to discuss the social, economic and political state in France. All estates are represented but voting is not proportional to size of the estate.
LOA
How was LXVI involved/ at fault?
LXVI was baised to the first two Estates therefore he did not act fairly which frustrated the Third Esate - this would lead to them advocating for change.
LXVI was FORCED to call the EG, showing that he was not a strong enough leader to quell the violence without bowing to the will of the people.
2) The Tennis Court Oath
What?
When?
Why?
Who?
LOA
The Third Estate + The Clergy = National Assembly
LXVI was resistant to change and ousted the National Assembly from meeting in their usual place.
The essence was that the NA would not stop until France has a constitution.
20 June 1789
LXVI response 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 authority
3) The Storming of the Bastille
When?
Why?
Who?
What?
LOA
14 July 1789
The National Assembly
The NA + Parisans needed weaponry as they believed that LXVI was amassing an army to attack and destroy them.
They ransacked the Bastille as it had gunpowder and ammunition
The Parisan mob attacked the hated Bastille in order to obtain gunpowder and weaponry to defend themselves against the perceived threat.
LXVI created the Bastille as 'target'. LXVI also assembled an army at his Palace and offered no other reasons for this, allowing for the fear to spread throughout France.
4) Abolition of Feudal Rights & Privileges
Who?
What?
Why?
When?
LOA
July 1789
French society was based on Feudalism, therefore classes were based on land. Land was only given to Nobility by the King. The NA wanted to break this cycle and therefore needed to destroy Feuedalism.
The NA vs. The Landowners (mostly Nobles)
To destroy the class system in France & to force for equality (eg. Military conscription & taxation)
LXVI was hesitant to upset the French social structure and therefore did little to make the lives of the NA & 3rd Estate easier. He was complicit in these rights that were only afforded to a few.
5) The Declaration of Rights of Man & Citizen
What?
Who?
When?
Why?
LOA
26 August 1789
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.
French Men & Citizens (not including Women or men in the colonies)
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.
LXVI was complicit in benefiting from longstanding tradition of 'divine rights'. He did not respond to the claims made by the NA in the DRMaC
6) Removal of the Royal Family/ Women's Bread March
What?
Who?
Why?
When?
LOA
5 October 1789
Food shortages in Paris yet LXVI is hosting feasts in Versailles. French Women march for an audience with the King
The NA + Women of Paris
A March to the Versailles to demand and audience with the King and force the expedition of NA legislation
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?
Who?
Why?
When?
LOA
LXVI was executed by public trial after the Monarchy was abolished in France
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 was at war)
LXVI + The NC
21 January 1793
LXVI is executed by his people after they were able to abolish the Monarch in France. This shows that LXVI was a a weak leader and ultimately lead to his own demise
STEP ONE: To what extent question; meaning that you need to respond with a) To a large/ full extent OR b) To somewhat extent OR c) To a little extent
STEP TWO: Broad contextual statement - contextualize 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 your argument - Briefly summarise 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.
CONCLUSION
A brief summary of the arguments that we have put forward for each key event.