Actions of Urban Workers/ S-C August 1788 - August 1789

Question 1

Describe the Reveillon Riots (27th-28th April 1789)

Answer 1

• Rumours spread a wallpaper manufacturer, Reveillon, who employed 300 workers was considering cutting wages
• The factory was attacked and after 2 days troops were called in to restore order
• One of the 1st instances of violence in the revolution about 25 killed

Question 2

What was the situation for Parisians by July 1789?

Answer 2

• Greater demand for bread as migrants went to Paris searching for work in 1789
• 11th July when Louis dismissed Necker came at a bad time economically
• July 14th, bread prices the highest they had been since 1715

Question 3

Describe the events from 13th-14th July 1789

Answer 3

• Breakdown of order in Paris; mobs raided shops to arm themselves
• Crowds flooded to hated customs posts destroying about 50
• Royal troops failed to take action and some joined the riots
• Prisons, factories and monasteries attacked

Question 4

During 13th July 1789, how did Parisian electors respond?

Answer 4

Met at Town Hall and set up a Commune to take control of the city

Question 5

What was established during the Storming of the Bastille?

Answer 5

A National Guard of volunteers to “police” the city and protect Parisians from the King’s actions

Question 6

Describe the Storming of the Bastille (14th July 1789)

Answer 6

• Crowd of about 8000 descended on Les Invalides (old veterans home) where 32,000 muskets and artillery found
• They needed gunpowder and heard there was some at the Bastille
• NG, Paris Commune and a crowd went to the Bastille, some forced their way into the courtyard
• After some firing, about 70 died

Question 7

What happened as a consequence of the Storming of the Bastille?

Answer 7

The King was persuaded to go to Paris on July 17th with NA members and to address the Parisians; he announced the reinstatement of Necker, accepted the NA, NG and PC