Social Unrest Flashcards
The Storming of the Bastille
14 July 1789
Louis moved troops into Paris and dismissed Necker. Necker was popular with the people, and riots sparked. Parisians entered the Bastille for its gunpowder, and troops killed 93 rioters. The Bastille was then stormed. Governor, Launay, was murdered.
Louis withdrew all troops from Paris the next day
The Great Fear
Rumours spread that gangs of brigands had been hired by nobles to take revenge by destroying the harvest.
Many tithe barns that held the grain taken by the church from the peasants were attacked, along with other systems of feudal power
Abolition of Feudalism
News of the great fear reached National Assembly deputies. They decided to abolish feudalism to gain the support of the peasants. This was done as part of the August Decrees
August Decrees
4 changes
Passed by the National Assembly on 4th August 1789.
One of the most remarkable debates of the Revolution as deputies became increasingly enthusiastic over ending privileges. Included:
- Feudal rights abolished
- Tithes abolished
- All citizens taxed equally
- All citizens eligible for any position in the Church, state or army
Declaration of the Rights of Man & Citizen
26 August 1789
New constitution that ended the Ancien Regime
October Days
Louis opposed the August Decrees, and was given a Suspensive Veto by the Assembly (could delay laws for 4 years but not veto them).
The flight of many aristocrats from Paris hit many trades. Bread shortages triggered riots, radical journalists like Marat advocated for direct action by the people. Louis insulted the Tricolor (revolutionary flag) at a banquet which stirred unrest.
5th Ocotber women marched to Versailles. At Versailles the deputies of the Assembly welcomed the protesters, and Louis was forced to agree to the August Decrees. Crowd broke into the Palace the next day and Louis was forced to return to Paris accompanied by National Assembly deputies.
Results of the October Days
Royal family was now essentially prisoners in Paris. Louis agreed to the August decrees and now had to try and make the Constitutional Monarchy work
