Week 12- Developments in Paris Flashcards
What were the views of the Parisians towards the King and Government?
Louis’ dismissal of Jacques Necker on 11th July confirmed fears that the King was trying to prevent reform.
This also came at a time of high political agitation and bad economic conditions.
Bread prices were the highest they had been since 1715.
Give some reasons why there was growing discontent within Paris
It was 20km from Versialles; There were high literacy rates; bad harvest of 1788 pushed up bread prices; influx of migrant workers in 1789; fears of wage reductions and growing unemployment; pamphlets and newspapers were widely available in cafés; troops surrounding Paris spread fear.
When was the breakdown of order in Paris?
12th- 13th July
Mobs started raiding sword-smiths and gun-shops to arm themselves in case of royal assault.
40 of 54 customs posts (barrières) were destroyed.
How did royal troops respond to the mobs?
They failed to take action and a few joined the rioters.
How did the Parisian electors respond to the mobs?
They met at the Hôtel de Ville and set up ‘the commune’ to take control of the city.
They established the National Guard of volunteers to ‘police’ the city, restore order and protect property from attack.
When did the mobs attack Les Invalides?
14th July 1789.
It was a crowd of 8000.
Why did the mobs attack Les Invalides?
To find weapons to defend themselves.
32,000 muskets and some artillery were found.
When was the storming of the Bastille?
14th July 1789.
Why did crowds storm the Bastille?
To find gunpowder for the artillery.
Who made up the crowd at the Bastille?
Parisian civilians along with some members of the National Guard.
What happened at the storming of the Bastille?
The Governor of the Bastille, the marquis de Launay, refused to surrender the fortress.
So, some of the crowd forced their way into the courtyard, where there was fighting.
De Launay was captured and decapitated.
70 of attackers were also killed.
What was the impact of the Storming of the Bastille?
The King went to Paris on 17th July to address Parisians on the steps of the Hôtel de Ville.
He announced the reinstatement of Necker and the acceptance of the National Assembly, Paris Commune and the National Guard.
