French Revolution Essay by Alan
The French Revolution began in 1789, with the goals to over throw King Louis XVI, make France a Republic, write it a constitution, and give more rights to the poor. The Revolution was a heavy impact for France. Three events were a significant part of the Revolution, the Fall of Bastille, the execution of Louis XVI, and the reign of terror.
Bastille was a fortress and prison that represented royal authority. Containing 7 prisoners, it was a symbol of abuse. The people wanted it down. The fall of Bastille was the first sign of the revolution. The original intent was to seize the weapons held there. With a mob crowded at its entrance, they sent two representatives in to negotiate the weapons and gun powder. The crowd got impatient and stormed the Bastille. When Louis first heard about it being stormed from the Duke of La, Louis asked “Is it a revolt?” The duke replied “No sire, it’s not a revolt; it’s a revolution.”
One day after being convicted of conspiracy with foreign powers, Louis XVI was sentenced to death, and executed by guillotine. Louis was hostile towards National Assembly which gave negativity with his rule. Louis had even tried to escape France to garner support for the re-establishment of an old regime. He was caught before he reached fortress of Montmédy. At Louis execution, a vote was held if he was guilty or not, no one voted not-guilty and guards abstained. By guillotine, Louis was executed, and made the first victim of The reign of Terror.
After the onset of the French Revolution, conflict between 2 political groups, the Girondins and the Mountains, starting a period of violence known as The Terror. Over 16,000 people were executed by guillotine. Maximilien Robespierre, leader of the Jacobins, seized control of National Convention and Committee of Public Safety. Robespierre targeted people who had different philosophies than his own. The committee of public safety was to stop all external threats, executing thousands.
The fall of Bastille, execution of Louis XVI, and the reign of terror, were huge markings in European history. With all the events that took place as part of the revolution, France gained an educational system, a democracy and better government, gave rights to the poor, and abolished feudalism.