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The Storming of the Bastille
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Today, we are discussing the storming of the Bastille. Can anyone tell me what this event symbolizes?
It symbolized the people's revolt against the king's oppression!
Exactly! The Bastille was seen as a symbol of despotism. This event marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Can anyone guess why?
Because people wanted to fight back against the king's authority?
Right! This fight led to significant changes. Remember, the acronym 'RECEIVE' can help you recall the key ideas: Resistance, Equality, Change, Enlightenment, Individual rights, Values, and End of monarchy.
So, the storming of the Bastille was both a fight against the monarchy and a call for equality?
Yes! It represented the collective yearning for rights and freedoms.
What happened to the Bastille afterward?
The fortress was demolished, and its remnants were sold as souvenirs! This event was pivotal to the revolution.
To summarize, the storming of the Bastille marked the start of significant social and political change in France.
The National Assembly and the Constitution
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Next, let's discuss the National Assembly. Can anyone tell me what it set out to do?
It aimed to limit the king's powers by drafting a constitution!
That's right! The constitution established a system of checks and balances across the legislature, executive, and judiciary. What can you tell me about the composition of the National Assembly?
It involved members from the Third Estate mostly, which included commoners?
Exactly! And remember, only active citizens had the right to vote, which excluded many. Can anyone think why this limitation might have been problematic?
Because it didn't represent everyone, especially women and the poor.
Good observation! The idea is that the revolution aimed for equality, yet the Constitution of 1791 only benefitted wealthier men. This contradiction is vital in understanding its effects on society.
So, the Constitution set the stage for later conflict?
Correct! In summary, the National Assembly's work led to a new order that aimed to balance power but fell short of true representation.
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
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Let's analyze the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. What was its purpose?
It outlined the rights and freedoms individuals should have!
Exactly! The Declaration became foundational in shaping the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Can someone explain what 'inalienable rights' means?
It means rights that can't be taken away!
Perfect! Remember the acronym 'FLIPS' to recall some key rights: Freedom, Liberty, Individual rights, Property, Security. Why do you think these rights were significant?
Because they were established to protect citizens from oppression?
Yes! They aimed to ensure that no one could infringe upon an individual's rights without due process. Great job, everyone!
In conclusion, the Declaration was a pivotal step towards establishing civil liberties in France.
Social Classes and the Revolution
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Now, letβs discuss social classes. What were the three estates in France?
Clergy, nobility, and the commoners!
Right! The Third Estate bore the tax burden while the First and Second Estates didnβt. How did this create tension?
It made the common people feel unfairly treated and angry.
Exactly! The Third Estate's growing frustration fueled demands for equality. Remember the memory aid 'CUMP'βCommoners United for Merit and Powerβas it encapsulates their desire for rights.
So, their united front became crucial in pushing for change?
Yes! Through concerted efforts, they were able to instigate revolts. In summary, the disparities among the estates were significant in propelling the revolution.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The emergence of a constitutional monarchy in France marked a significant shift from absolute rule. The National Assembly crafted a new constitution in 1791, delineating powers among the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches. Crucial to this transition were the events leading to the storming of the Bastille and the growing discontent among various social classes, especially the Third Estate, which culminated in demands for greater political representation and rights.
Detailed
France Becomes a Constitutional Monarchy
In 1791, with the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in France, the political landscape dramatically transformed. The National Assembly aimed to limit the king's powers, redistributing authority among various institutions: the legislature, executive, and judiciary. At the core of this change was the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, an event that symbolized the uprising against royal tyranny and the call for a people's government.
Key Events Leading to Constitutional Change
- The financial crisis faced by King Louis XVI and the subsequent call for the Estates General in May 1789 is crucial to understanding this revolutionary period. This assembly included representatives from three estates: the clergy (first estate), nobility (second estate), and commoners (third estate), which included the burgeoning middle class and peasants.
- Tensions escalated when the Third Estate, representing commoners, demanded voting reform to allow each individual to have a vote rather than class-based voting, leading them to break away and form the National Assembly.
Political Structure post-Constitution
- The Constitution of 1791 established the National Assembly as the main legislative body, indirectly elected through a system where active citizensβthose over 25 who paid a certain amount in taxesβhad the right to vote. This left passive citizens, including most women and non-property owners, without voting rights, highlighting contradictions in the principles of democracy being established.
Historical Significance
- The constitutional model adopted in France inspired various democratic movements worldwide, promoting the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. It represents a significant step in the fight against absolute monarchy and shaped political discourse in Europe and beyond in the ensuing decades.
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The Constitution of 1791
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The National Assembly completed the draft of the constitution in 1791. Its main object was to limit the powers of the monarch. These powers instead of being concentrated in the hands of one person, were now separated and assigned to different institutions β the legislature, executive and judiciary.
Detailed Explanation
In 1791, the National Assembly of France created a new constitution aimed at reducing the absolute power of the king. Instead of having all authority with one ruler, the constitution established three branches of government: the legislature (which makes laws), the executive (which enforces laws), and the judiciary (which interprets laws). This separation of powers ensured that no single individual could hold all the power, thereby creating a system of checks and balances.
Examples & Analogies
Think about a school where there is only one principal who makes all the rules and decisions. If the principal were to leave, the school might struggle. Instead, imagine a school where power is shared among a principal, a teachersβ council, and a student council. Each group has its role and can influence decisions, making the school stronger and more balanced.
Structure of the New Political System
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Fig. 7 explains how the new political system worked. The Constitution of 1791 vested the power to make laws in the National Assembly, which was indirectly elected. That is, citizens voted for a group of electors, who in turn chose the Assembly.
Detailed Explanation
The Constitution of 1791 set up a new legislative body called the National Assembly, which had the authority to create laws. This Assembly was not elected directly by everyone; instead, citizens selected electors, and these electors were responsible for choosing the members of the Assembly. This method was seen as a middle ground, ensuring that not everyone had a direct vote but that there was still some representation of the people's will in the government.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a large family trying to make a decision about a vacation. Instead of letting every sibling argue their case, they might choose one eldest sibling to represent them in discussions with their parents. This sibling listens to everyoneβs opinions and shares them with the parents, ensuring that all voices are somewhat heard.
Voting Rights and Citizenship
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Not all citizens, however, had the right to vote. Only men above 25 years of age who paid taxes equal to at least 3 days of a labourerβs wage were given the status of active citizens, that is, they were entitled to vote.
Detailed Explanation
Under the new constitution, voting rights were limited. Only men over the age of 25, who contributed a certain amount in taxes, were allowed to vote. This meant that many people, including all women, children, and those who did not meet the tax criteria (including many poor men), were excluded from participating in the political process. Those who did have the vote were regarded as 'active citizens', while the others were called 'passive citizens'.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a club where only members who pay a certain fee can vote on important issues, while others, no matter how passionate or knowledgeable they are about the clubβs activities, cannot participate. This creates a divide between those with a say in the clubβs future and those without.
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
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The Constitution began with a Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. Rights such as the right to life, freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, equality before law, were established as βnatural and inalienableβ rights, that is, they belonged to each human being by birth and could not be taken away.
Detailed Explanation
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen was a fundamental part of the Constitution, asserting that every person has certain rights that are inherent and cannot be revoked. It emphasized individual liberties such as the right to life, freedom of speech, and equality under the law, marking a significant shift toward valuing human rights in governance.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a smartphone that comes with pre-installed apps. The rights in the Declaration are like those apps β they come with the phone (or a human being) and canβt be deleted or taken away. Everyone is entitled to these 'apps' just by being part of humanity.
Definitions & Key Concepts
Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.
Key Concepts
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Constitutional Monarchy: A government system where the monarch's powers are limited by laws.
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National Assembly: The legislative body formed by representatives of the common people.
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Social Inequality: The deep disparities in class that led to revolts and demands for change.
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Bastille: The stronghold representing royal authority that was stormed as a revolutionary act.
Examples & Real-Life Applications
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
Examples
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The storming of the Bastille represents the uprising against absolute monarchy.
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The National Assembly creating a new Constitution symbolizes the start of modern democracy in France.
Memory Aids
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
π΅ Rhymes Time
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Liberty and Rights, shining bright, / In France they took a bold fight.
π Fascinating Stories
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Once there was a fortress called the Bastille, where kings ruled with a heavy seal. People united against their fear, to claim their rights and hold them dear.
π§ Other Memory Gems
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Use 'FRIGHT' to remember: Freedom, Rights, Individual, Government, Human, Taxation.
π― Super Acronyms
Remember 'CLEVER'
- Constitution
- Limited monarch
- Equality
- Voting rights
- Equal laws
- Rights.
Flash Cards
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Glossary of Terms
Review the Definitions for terms.
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Term: Constitutional Monarchy
Definition:
A form of government in which a monarch's powers are limited by a constitution.
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Term: National Assembly
Definition:
The revolutionary assembly formed by the representatives of the Third Estate.
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Term: Third Estate
Definition:
The social class in France that included commoners, who bore the tax burden.
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Term: Bastille
Definition:
A fortress in Paris that was stormed in 1789, marking the start of the French Revolution.
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Term: Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
Definition:
A fundamental document that outlined the rights of individuals in France.