France Abolishes Monarchy and Becomes a Republic
The situation in France during the revolution was tense, especially following Louis XVI's secret negotiations with Prussia, sparking concerns among neighboring monarchies. To counter this, the National Assembly declared war on Prussia and Austria in April 1792, framing it as a struggle against tyranny.
War prompted widespread participation, leading to nationalistic sentiments illustrated by the patriots singing the Marseillaise. Economic strains followed as men went to war, leaving women to take up societal roles. There was increasing demand to extend political rights beyond the elite, igniting the rise of political clubs, notably the Jacobins, who represented the lower social classes.
Women actively participated in the revolution, seeking their representation as they organized their clubs. The Jacobins distinguished themselves from the aristocracy by adopting the sans-culottes attire, reflecting their revolutionary ideals.
In August 1792, the Jacobins instigated a riot, resulting in the imprisonment of the royal family and the establishment of the Convention, which abolished the monarchy on September 21, 1792, marking France's shift to a republic where all men could vote. Furthermore, Louis XVI was executed in January 1793, followed by Queen Marie Antoinette, solidifying the revolutionary changes that had taken place.