Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité! - Causes of the French Revolution
Introduction
The French Revolution was one of the most important events in the history of Western Civilization. The French Rev is this extraordinary moment in history where people believed that they could dramatically change their society, government, their institutions, and even alter human nature based on the principles of the Enlightenment. It usher Western Civilization into a crossroads in which so much of European history will change because of the inspiration of the revolutionary ideas, or the fear of them. The French Revolution witnessed a people that rebelled against aristocratic privilege, overthrew an impotent regime, outlawed traditions, and remade the nation in the image of la patrie “the people”. It empowered the poor, disavowed its religious authorities, and slaughtered its enemies.
The French Revolution is also an incredibly complex event, so this assignments is intended to help familiarize you with the causes of the French Revolution and its initial outbreak.
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Assignment
Read through the following links and be prepared to discuss and debate them in class. You will later be tested upon this material, so it is highly recommended that you complete the extra credit assignment that goes along with these links.
Links and Articles:
Historiography of the French Revolution
How is the French Revolution Interpreted?
Origins of the Revolution
France Before the Revolution
Social, Political, and Economic Problems in 18th Century France
The Revolution Turns Violent
Storming of the Bastille
Defining the Revolution
Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen