French Revolution: The Most Influential

The French Revolution is the Most Influential

On a July morning 228 years ago, at around 1:30 pm, a group of “unimportant” people stormed the Bastille; this would become symbolic of the revolution and the concept of citizenship. For purposes of this essay, let the french revolution be defined as an attack against the monarch and the societal and political upheaval across France teeming from 1789 to 1799. Even today we live in socially explosive times not unlike that of 1789 France, with a small portion of the wealthy holding a large majority of government offices. The storming of the Bastille was a turning point, not only for France, but for humanity. It sparked the movement that the majority could rise against an unjust government. It is

A citizen prior to the revolution was nothing more than a slave to the monarch, expected to starve in order for their king to feast. French citizens prominently held the idea that citizens had duties to their country and their fellow citizens, rather than to their monarch. “...perhaps the strongest notion that emerged from the Revolution was the concept of being a citizen.” In this they accept the reality that until they were treated as such, they were nothing more than pawns. This was not tolerated well in the progress booming 1790’s of France. The people of France wanted equal rights for all citizens, including women and people of color. With newfound citizenship, came patriotism for their country. “The Revolution is also credited with introducing the notion of nationalism into political discourse – the idea that the nation belongs to its people.” Realizing the potential for French greatness allowed them to have greater care for the legacy of their country, rather than their monarch. They also realize that citizenship can not coincide with monarchy, leading to the revolt against wealthy government. Citizenship and patriotism influenced europe's people, and allowed for a movement of change and

The involvement of King Louis XVI in the American Revolution led to bankruptcy through France, causing unrest among the 3rd estate. “Many expressed their desperation and resentment toward a regime that imposed heavy taxes yet failed to provide relief by rioting, looting and striking.” This behaviour showed a glimpse of the fact that monarchs were losing control over their people. These acts provided the notion that monarchs were easily outpowered by their own people. Not only that, but it also showed the weakness of a monarchy. “Once the King gave in to revolutionary demands after 14 July, the National Assembly began drafting a constitution...” The lower class was able to cause so much havoc on the monarch, that it agreed to their demands. This proved that the monarch was easily manipulated by a majority. Eager to settle the mayhem and revolts the king gave in to their bidding. With monarchy’s power deteriorating the lower class was able to freely express the class struggle through