...In Defense of Maximilien de Robespierre Throughout the years since the French Revolution and, more specifically, the Reign of Terror, the name Maximilien Robespierre has become associated with those of tyrants and oppressive rulers. His image has been crafted with the likeness of a ruthless, bloody dictator, leader of the Jacobins, who sent thousands of French citizens to the guillotine. Such a man was vilified by his contemporaries and is still treated as such by much of prosperity, and his political agenda is regarded as that of a tyrannical leader. However, this is an unfair demonization of Robespierre, for his true beliefs and ideals mark him as a man who ardently believed in the revolutionary cause, and was willing to do what he could to elevate the rights of men in France. Maximilien de Robespierre was not corrupt and tyrannical as popular belief makes him out to be, but instead a revolutionary who acted in the name of democracy. The first of many accusations against Robespierre derives from the popular notion that he had enough power and authority during the Revolution to be properly labeled as a tyrant. This was not necessarily true. Far from wielding the power of an authoritarian dictator, or even a monarch, the only true position of power that Robespierre had ever held, aside from the presidency of the National Convention, was as a member of the Committee of Public Safety. The Committee of Public Safety consisted of twelve men who presided over the security of the...
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...left to waste and considered a failure due to his losses in battle towards the end of his reign. This article will discuss all the aspects of Napoleon’s rise and fall in power. Another article readers will find is “From Army General to Emperor: How Napoleon’s Coup D’état Changed France.” It is titled this way because it describes Napoleon’s rise to power in France and his reign. It also will discuss the entirety of Napoleon’s reign. Another article is called “The 7 Best Ways to Obtain...
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...The French Revolution © Student Handouts, Inc. www.studenthandouts.com The Old Regime (Ancien Regime) • Old Regime – socio-political system which existed in most of Europe during the 18th century • Countries were ruled by absolutism – the monarch had absolute control over the government • Classes of people – privileged and unprivileged – Unprivileged people – paid taxes and treated badly – Privileged people – did not pay taxes and treated well Society under the Old Regime • In France, people were divided into three estates – First Estate • High-ranking members of the Church • Privileged class – Second Estate • Nobility • Privileged class – Third Estate • Everyone else – from peasants in the countryside to wealthy bourgeoisie merchants in the cities • Unprivileged class The Three Estates Estate Privileges Exemptions •Collected the tithe •Censorship of the press •Control of education •Kept records of births, deaths, marriages, etc. •Catholic faith held honored position of being the state religion (practiced by monarch and nobility) •Owned 20% of the land •Paid no taxes •Subject to Church law rather than civil law •Moral obligation (rather than legal obligation) to assist the poor and needy •Support the monarchy and Old Regime •Collected taxes in the form of feudal dues •Monopolized military and state appointments •Owned 20% of the land •Paid no taxes •Support the monarchy and Old Regime •Nobles First Population •Circa 25,000,000 •None •None •Paid all taxes...
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...French Revolution Key Figures Biographies | Eden Salmon | Xmas Holiday Homework | Robespierre Maximilien de Robespierre principal figures in the French Revolution. Born on the 6th May 1758 in Arras France he had a troubled childhood with his Mother dying when he was aged just 6 and his Dad leaving soon after that. He and his siblings were raised by their grandparents. Young Maximilien was educated in Paris, graduating from the Lycée Louis-le-Grand and earning a law degree in 1781. He became a lawyer in his home town and lived comfortably with a moderate income. Robespierre then took on a public role, calling for political change in the French monarchy. He became a great follower of social philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, intrigued by the idea of a virtuous man who stands alone accompanied only by his conscience. He was very influenced by the enlightenment and wanted equality and freedom by a means of intellectual debate and practical demonstration. He gained a reputation for defending the poorest of society and earned the nickname "the incorruptible" for his adherence to strict moral values. At age 30, Robespierre was elected to the Estates General of the French legislature. He became increasingly popular with the people for his attacks on the French monarchy and his advocacy for democratic reforms. He also opposed the death penalty and slavery. He was very much a liberal thinker and spread (with the enlightenment) liberal views across France, particularly the third...
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...was held, the Third Estate was barely recognised. Then during the National Assembly of 1789, the Third Estate was kicked out, under the excuse that carpenters needed to prepare for a royal speech. The Third Estate then travelled to an indoor tennis court, and made what is now called “The Tennis Court Oath.” A large portion of the clergy soon joined the Third Estate, and a small amount of the nobility did too. French forces, however, were forming en masse outside of Paris and Versailles. Lower-class French people then grew angry, and formed mobs, and staged riots. Then, on July 14th, 1789, French mobs attacked the Bastille, and then prison was overtaken. The vast amounts of gunpowder stored inside was stolen, and the Governor Marquis Bernard de Launay was beaten, stabbed...
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...In the fall of 1786, Louis XVI's controller general, Charles Alexandre de Calonne 1734 to 1802, proposed a money related change bundle that incorporated a widespread area charge from which the special classes would never again be excluded. To collect backing for these measures and thwart a becoming noble revolt, the ruler summoned the Domains General, gathering speaking to France's clergy, honorability and center class for the first run through since 1614. The gathering was planned for May 5, 1789; meanwhile, delegates of the three domains from every region would assemble arrangements of grievances to present to the...
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...The French Revolution (French: Révolution française; 1789–1799) was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France that had a fundamental impact on French history and on modern history more broadly. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed within three years. French society underwent an epic transformation, as feudal, aristocratic and religious privileges evaporated under a sustained assault from radical left-wing political groups, masses on the streets, and peasants in the countryside.[1] Old ideas about tradition and hierarchy regarding monarchs, aristocrats, and the Catholic Church were abruptly overthrown by new principles of Liberté, égalité, fraternité (liberty, equality and fraternity). The royal houses across Europe were horrified and led a countercrusade that by 1814 had restored the old monarchy, but many major reforms became permanent. So too did antagonisms between the supporters and enemies of the Revolution, who fought politically over the next two centuries. Amidst a fiscal crisis, the common people of France were increasingly angered by the incompetency of King Louis XVI and the continued indifference and decadence of the aristocracy. This resentment, coupled with burgeoning Enlightenment ideals, fueled radical sentiments, and the French Revolution began in 1789 with the convocation of the Estates-General in May. The first year of the Revolution saw members of the Third Estate proclaiming the Tennis Court Oath in June, the assault...
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...French Revolution Storming of the Bastille, 14 July 1789. Participants French society Location France Date 1789–1799 Result A cycle of royal power limited by uneasy constitutional monarchy; then the abolition and replacement of the French king, aristocracy and church with a radical, secular, democratic republic, which, in turn, becomes more authoritarian, militaristic and property-based. Radical social change based on nationalism, democracy and the Enlightenment principles of citizenship and inalienable rights. Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. Armed conflicts with other European countries. Part of a series on the History of France Prehistory[show] Ancient[show] Early Middle Ages[show] Middle Ages[show] Early modern[show] 19th century[show] 20th century[show] France portal v t e The French Revolution (French: Révolution française; 1789–1799), was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France that had a lasting impact on French history and more broadly throughout Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed within three years. French society underwent an epic transformation, as feudal, aristocratic and religious privileges evaporated under a sustained assault from radical left-wing political groups, masses on the streets, and peasants in the countryside.[1] Old ideas about tradition and hierarchy regarding monarchs, aristocrats, and the Catholic Church were abruptly overthrown by new principles of Liberté, égalité...
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...French Revolution From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia For other uses, see French Revolution (disambiguation). Page semi-protected French Revolution Anonymous - Prise de la Bastille.jpg Storming of the Bastille, 14 July 1789. Date 1789–1799 Location France Participants French society Outcome Abolition of the French monarchy Establishment of a secular and democratic republic that became increasingly authoritarian and militaristic Radical social change based on liberalism and other Enlightenment principles Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte Armed conflicts with other European countries Part of a series on the History of France National EmblemNational EmblemNational Emblem Prehistory[show] Ancient[show] Early Middle Ages[show] Middle Ages[show] Early modern[show] 19th century[show] 20th century[show] Portal icon France portal v t e The French Revolution (French: Révolution française) was an influential period of social and political upheaval in France that lasted from 1789 until 1799. Inspired by liberal and radical ideas, the Revolution profoundly altered the course of modern history, triggering the global decline of theocracies and absolute monarchies while replacing them with republics and democracies. Through the Revolutionary Wars, it unleashed a wave of global conflicts that extended from the Caribbean to the Middle East. Historians widely regard the Revolution as one of the most important events in human history.[1] The causes of the French Revolution...
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...France The French Revolution (French: Révolution française; 1789–1799) was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France that had a fundamental impact on French history and on modern history more broadly. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed within three years. French society underwent an epic transformation, as feudal, aristocratic and religious privileges evaporated under a sustained assault from radical left-wing political groups, masses on the streets, and peasants in the countryside.[1] Old ideas about tradition and hierarchy regarding monarchs, aristocrats, and the Catholic Church were abruptly overthrown by new principles of Liberté, égalité, fraternité (liberty, equality and fraternity). The royal houses across Europe were horrified and led a countercrusade that by 1814 had restored the old monarchy, but many major reforms became permanent. So too did antagonisms between the supporters and enemies of the Revolution, who fought politically over the next two centuries. Amidst a fiscal crisis, the common people of France were increasingly angered by the incompetency of King Louis XVI and the continued indifference and decadence of the aristocracy. This resentment, coupled with burgeoning Enlightenment ideals, fueled radical sentiments, and the French Revolution began in 1789 with the convocation of the Estates-General in May. The first year of the Revolution saw members of the Third Estate proclaiming the Tennis Court Oath in...
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...by 1780s. He was uncommunicative and offered no solutions to France’s downfall. He escaped to hunting and locksmithing to avoid dealing with the pressure. Historians believe he suffered from clinical depression that led to his fear of decision making. His poor leadership set in motion the French Revolution. He was forced to acknowledge the National Assembly as the new head power and on July 4 riots broke out in Paris and rebels stormed the Bastille Prison. King Louis unable to confront the rise ups fled in 1791 but was brought back to Paris. He lost all of his credibility, and his powers were suspended. He and his family were suspected of treason. In 1792 France was proclaimed the First French Republic. Louis was guillotined in the Palace de la Revolution on January 21,1793. King Louis was not only a poor leader but a distant husband. His wife Marie Antoinette walked all over him and gave him bad advice. Marie Antoinette lived during the time of the French Revolution. She was a rude, gossiping belligerent woman with expensive taste. She lived from 1755-1793. She is known for having elaborate hair, makeup and beautiful dresses. She was the fifteenth child of Francis the first, the Holy Roman Emperor and Habsburg Empress Maria Theresa. She married Louis at the tender age of 15. She didn't try to connect with the French people and only cared for herself. She allowed the french people to starve in the streets while she indulged in the finer things in life. She was highly disliked...
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...History of the Illuminati Master Conspiracy In dealing with an emotionally-charged topic such as conspiracy, to avoid confusion it is necessary to begin with a definition of the concept. Conspiracy is a human activity involving more than one person. The parties to this activity are advancing basically the same or common objectives, and are advancing objectives which, by very reasonable standards, are personally harmful, evil or destructive. And, finally, they're doing all this either in secret or without fully advertising in advance what they're planning to do, and certainly not to their potential victims. It is also important to note that the definition says the parties to a conspiracy are doing the same things, or advancing common objectives, but not at all necessarily are they all doing so for the same personal reasons or motivations. So the essential focus of conspiratorial research should be on the actions of individuals, not merely their backgrounds or organizational affiliations. Down through the ages there have been many secret societies and conspiratorial movements desired absolute rule of the world, the overthrow of all existing governments, and the final destruction of all religion. It is possible to trace the origins and developments of these many movements, such as the early anti-Christian mysticism of the Gnostics; the conspiracy against orthodox Islam and for world power that was founded by Hasan Saba in Persia in 1090 A.D. as the Order of the Assassins; the...
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...the revolt and played a significant role by sharing his fortunes of his chief to the end of the struggle of 1769. They were defeated and they, including Napoleons Family fled to the mountains. As time passed by, the Corsicans submitted and the Bonaparte’s went back to Ajaccio where Napoleon was born. (Markham, 1966) In order for his father to gain support from the French government, he humbled himself to the French government, who in return gave him benefits such as free education for his children, a good office with its salaries and honors and the maintenance of his claims against the Jesuits. Napoleon was secured a place at the military school at Brienne due to the benefits that his father got from the French Governor of Corsica, Monsieur de Marbeuf. In order for him to be accepted in the...
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...50th Anniversary Edition I, Pencil My Family Tree as Told to Leonard E. Read FOUNDATION FOR ECONOMIC EDUCATION 30 South Broadway Irvington-on-Hudson New York 10533 1-800-960-4FEE • 914-591-7230 www.fee.org “I, Pencil” is a superb case study of free markets in action. Half of the world’s economic problems would vanish if everyone would read “I, Pencil.” Burton W. Folsom, Jr. Professor of History Hillsdale College b There is no better, more easily understood, and more fun explanation of the complexity of markets than Leonard Read’s “I, Pencil.” It ought to give considerable pause when we listen to the arrogance of politicians who tell us they can manage an economy better than millions, perhaps billions, of independent decision makers in pursuit of their own personal goals. Its message to would-be planners is to bug out! Walter E. Williams John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics George Mason University b The most valuable truths about economics and liberty can be found in a lowly lead pencil. When my children are old enough, I will read them a classic little essay by the late philosopher Leonard E. Read that turns a mundane writing instrument into an elementary lesson about free-market capitalism. Michelle Malkin Syndicated columnist b I, Pencil My Family Tree as Told to Leonard E. Read Introduction by Lawrence W. Reed Afterword by Milton Friedman This edition of “I, Pencil” is dedicated to our late esteemed colleague, Beth A. Hoffman,...
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...HISTORY OF FRANCE • 13th century Spreading the weight of vaults over a series of ribs, columns, and pilasters, Gothic architecture allows the dissolution of the wall. Windows in cathedrals and churches are filled with stained glass; the shimmering colored light transfigures the vast interiors. Depicting biblical stories, scenes from the lives of the saints, or single figures, stained-glass windows complement the sculptures on the exterior and the rites and ceremonies observed within. • 1209 The Albigensian Crusade is launched by Pope Innocent III with the help of Cistercian monks. While the original spark for this war springs from papal desire to extinguish the growing problem of heresy in the region surrounding Toulouse, the political struggle between the independent southern territories and lords from northern France, joined after 1226 by Louis VIII, plays itself out in a war. In 1229, Count Raymond VII of Toulouse, who had been Louis VIII's main adversary, is compelled to cede territory to the king's control. • ca. 1210–1250 Artists at Chartres install an elaborate and extensive program of stained-glass windows in the cathedral under construction there. In addition to religious and historical subjects, the intensely colored windows depict numerous scenes of tradespeople at work, including bakers, furriers, wheelwrights, and weavers. These tradespeople were likely contributors—through hefty taxes—to the construction of the church. • 1226 Louis IX (d. 1270), grandson...
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