Week 4- Influence of the philosophes, salons and American war of Independence Flashcards
How were the ideas of the philosophes spread?
They were spread through the coffee houses. Here the educated bourgeoisie met and talked.
What were ‘academies’?
They existed across France and were clubs for intellectuals interested in political and social matters. They put on lectures, set up debates and essay competitions. They also had reading rooms and libraries.
What were salons?
They acted as a centre of intellectual and social exchange. These gatherings took place in the homes of the influential society women or salonnieres. Admission was based upon intellect not class which meant both sexes and the bourgeoisie and nobles could take part in discussions. They helped in the breaking down of social barriers and expanding knowledge.
Give some examples of some salonnieres
Madame Geoffrin, Mademoiselle de Lespinasse and Madame Necker
How were enlightenment ideas spread to the lower classes?
Literacy rates were relatively high (around 60% in urban France).
Books were expensive but lower classes could access journals, newspapers and political pamphlets.
Pamphlets attacking Marie Antoinette were particularly popular
How did the Enlightenment affect English colonies in America?
Benjamin Franklin was an Enlightenment thinker and played an important role in the American Revolution and the subsequent establishment of a democratic government.
The Declaration of Independence in 1776 drew heavily from Enlightenment themes and Montesquieu’s separation of powers.
When was the American Revolution?
1775-83
When did France join the American war?
1778
They fought on the side of the colonists
They helped in forcing the British to surrender in Yorktown, Virginia in 1781.
Fighting did not stop until 1783.
Why did France join the American War?
The idea of joining was popular within France.
Benjamin Franklin arrived in France in December 1776 to rally support.
It could be argued that Louis wanted revenge against the British for France’s defeat in the 7 years war.
How did France help the American colonies?
They supplied aid in secret from early 1776.
By 1777, over 5 million livres of aid had been sent.
Louis was initially hesitant to declare open war due to financial issues.
He only agreed when it became clear the colonists would win in 1778.
What impact did the American Revolution have on the Enlightenment in France?
France’s elites hailed the American Revolution as a victory for Enlightenment ideals over the despotism of Old World Europe.
The ‘spirit of America’ filled the clubs and salons.
The new US became a model for those seeking to revolutionise France.
Especially for those who had fought in America and seen, first hand, the power of the people against those in control.
The US showed that Montesquieu’s separation of powers and other Enlightenment ideologies could serve as a blueprint for modern government.
What did France gain from the American Revolution?
Nothing.
The king and his ministers hoped to regain colonial territory in America.
However, the Treaty of Paris in 1783 gave France little reward.
The Americans initiated secret negotiations with the British.
France only gained the Caribbean island of Tobago and Senegal in western Africa.
The French war effort had been funded with loans and the cost exceeded one billion livres.
This worsened France’s financial situation and contributed to the fiscal crisis of the late 1780s.
Example of French arms greatly helping American war of independence
-Estimates place French-arms used in Saratoga campaign at 90%
