The French Revolution Essay - 892 Words

Before the French Revolution, France was facing many problems, such as famine, high taxes, high food prices, and an absolute monarchy incapable of solving problems. In comparison to the nobility and clergy the bourgeoisie and the peasants were taxed ridiculously high. So clearly during this time we are getting the sense that the third estate carried the burden of repaying France’s debt. So because of this unfair treatment and their knowledge of enlightened thought, the Bourgeoisie sought to put an end to the classes and their lack of representation by forming the National Assembly. The peasants on the other hand were not driven by the same goals. When they did decide to revolt it was not for political or social reasons like the bourgeoisie†¦show more content†¦A few months later the National Assembly heard news about the army sent by Louis XVI, marching down to Versailles to disperse the Assembly. Fortunately, during the same time the peasants were storming the Bastil le out of anger towards the nobility, clergy, and monarchy because the Bastille was seen as a symbol of royal power. On the same day the Bastille fell and the army was distracted enough to no longer be a threat to the National Assembly. So the National Assembly not being threatened created the constitution, limiting the power of the monarchy and making France a Constitutional Monarchy and the National Assembly sovereign changes began being made. The Bourgeoisie’s construction of the Declaration of the rights of men reflected enlightened ideas, because it mirrored the enlightened idea of natural rights and popular sovereignty. The Declaration of the rights of men gave all citizens of France the rights of liberty, property, security and resistance to oppression (Declaration of the rights of men 1789). This was important because during the time first estate was exempt from taxes in addition to receiving money from the monarchy, and the second estate even though they wer e taxed regularly, had to pay very little. So essentially the Declaration of the Rights putShow MoreRelatedThe French Revolution And French Revolutions2006 Words   |  9 PagesAlthough the American and French revolutions both took place in the late 18th century, both fought for independence, and both portrayed patriotism, the revolutions are markedly different in their origins; one which led to the world’s longest lasting democracy and the other to a Napoleonic Dictatorship. Political revolutions in America and France happened because people felt dissatisfied with the way their country was run. 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