The French Revolution of 1789 - Essay Example

French Revolution The French revolution of 1789 is a great unchangeable event that saw the end to despotic rule of the Burbo dynasty, administration anarchy, unlimited monarchy and inefficiency of King Louis XVI. The French revolution of 1979 happened between 1787 and 1799, reaching the climax in 1789. This period was characterized by radical political and social upheavals. This was propelled by the American Revolutionary War, especially the ineptitude acts of King Louis XVI that enhanced frustrations among the French people. External threats propelled the revolution profoundly. This made the French revolution become the most important event in modern history as it was more radical than either the Dutch or American Revolutions. This greatly affected the 19th century Europe and sparked a series of revolutions rallied that rallied behind nationalism and liberalism. The august 1789 saw the abolition of the feudal privileges that swept the entire property ownership system of feudalism and serfdom. The French philosopher; Rousseau Montesque wakened the people against the injustice the faced and inspired them to revolt. Most events happened during the revolution. This began with redefining the National Assembly from 1789-1791. Other great principles include the declaration of human rights, fraternity and equality. This was culminated by imprisonment of both king and queen, and their eventual assassination. The revolution overthrew corrupt and despotic rule allowing for moderate thoughts take over from orthodox. The feudalism and unlimited monarchy were overthrown. This reflected the powerlessness of the king and saluted the supremacy of the people who are ruled by the royal family (Frey and Marsha 32). The fall of Bastille propelled enthusiasm among people, with revolution spreading far and wide. The revolutionists targeted the feudal and burnt their records. The fourth August saw summoning of all feudal, where most of them shifted to the side of the revolutionists. Mot resolutions were on 4th August, before midnight, during which feudalism was destroyed. However, the king was unaware, but his brother tried to counter the revolution who attempted to insult the national flag. This triggered people to arrest the king and queen and took them to Paris under house arrest in Tulriz. Therefore, the revolution in 1789 required the establishment of equality among the property owners and abolishing of the privileges accorded to the nobles only. This propelled establishment of a constitutional government to control the property owners. Also, the revolution saw the abolishing of internal custom duties and promoted the establishment of a national market. The revolution encouraged abolishment of guild and restrictions on the government for entry into certain trade. This also ended the feudal tithes and dues levied on the agricultural property (Frey and Marsha 32). The declaration of human rights took place on 12th August 1789 and advocated for human rights and liberty. This advocated for freedom of speech and right to be protected. They acknowledged that the only king was God. They abolished inequality and promoted equality by abolishing all the rights of feudal and clergies, and very person had the right to work in any government or public sector. People were allowed right to vote where all people were equal before the law. This also aimed at preparing the laws concerning the welfare where people were supposed to participate either directly or indirectly. This restricted any unwarranted arrests. The revolution also saw the establishment of right to property. In this case, each person had the right to self protection and opposition to injustice. Land was to be distributed among the poor with equality production portion enhanced. This was mostly influenced by the American declaration of Human Rights. This marked the beginning of democratic public welfare system. Changes in clergy Under the established new government, the power of Roman Catholic Church was lessened. For instance, the powers of the church and all special taxes were abolished in 1790. The state took over all the land that belonged to the church. The Civil Constitution established in July 1790 regarding the clergy made all employees working for the clergy to start working for the state. They were compelled to take the oath of the new constitution. Most clergy never adopted the changes, and they opposed the revolution (Frey and Marsha 31). Sans-culottes This comprised of a prominent political group that played the most crucial role towards the French revolution. The movement was critical in Revolution of 1789 as well as in other revolutions. It was among the pioneer working class groups that incorporated social condition and political stance. The group supported the revolution since they believed that on ideology that all people were equal. They advocated for right to own property hence opposed to the rule of monarchy that denied people right to own private property. Property at the time of revolution was under the bourgeoisie and elite aristocrats. They, therefore, called for radical republic that depended on direct democracy and the rich were supposed to be taxed. The political ideologies by the sans-culottes clashed with the established authorities in France. Often, the upper class and middle class viewed an-culottes with apprehension and hesitation as they feared for their wealth and social class (Frey and Marsha 32). Relationship between the changes in American and Dutch republics and French revolution Similar to French revolution, the French revolution occurred as a result of people grievances over their leaders, especially the kings. In Dutch revolution people complained of taxation, challenges of religious liberty and centralization of the political authority. This ended with the creation of the federal republic in America, similar to the French revolution that saw the establishment of a democratic republic. However, while the Roman Catholic felt that their powers were reduced after the French revolution, in America. The Dutch mainly concentrated on religious tolerance and rule of law. Similar to French revolution that saw the house arrest of the royal family followed by their assassinations, in Dutch revolution, the Spanish soldiers were put under house arrest and then confiscated. Dutch people wanted the king choose his agents from the local elites just as it was the case in French revolution where people wanted a democratic republic that accorded all people their human rights (Frey and Marsha 34). Despite the revolutions having considerable causal effects, the changes in France appear to be more significant than those in Atlantic world. This because most of the movements in Atlantic world had their founding documents founded as treaties of some alliances which could have affected the publications and thoughts of the unborn political theorists. Works Cited Frey, Linda, and Marsha Frey. The French Revolution. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 2004. Print. Read More