Why Were the People Protesting in Paris French Revolution?

By Michael Ferguson

The French Revolution was a turning point in the history of France. It was a period of political and social upheaval that lasted from 1789 to 1799. During this time, people took to the streets to protest against the monarchy, the aristocracy, and the Church.

Why Were People Protesting?

The people of France were protesting because they were unhappy with their living conditions. The country was facing economic difficulties, and there was widespread poverty among the common people.

The government was heavily in debt, largely due to wars that had been fought overseas. Taxes were high, and the burden fell mainly on the poor.

In addition to economic problems, there were also social issues that fueled the protests. The monarchy and the aristocracy enjoyed privileges that were denied to ordinary citizens. They held most of the power in government and society, while common people had little say in how their country was run.

The Three Estates

The French society was divided into three estates – clergy, nobility, and commoners. The first two estates enjoyed many privileges while the third estate or commoners had to bear most of the burden of taxes. This inequality led to widespread discontent among the people.

  • The clergy included all members of religious orders from priests up through cardinals.
  • The nobility included all those who held titles or lands.
  • The commoners made up over 98% of France’s population at this time.

The Role of Enlightenment Ideas

The ideas of Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau played a significant role in shaping public opinion during this period. These thinkers emphasized individual rights and freedoms over absolute monarchies.

The Storming of Bastille

One of the defining moments of the French Revolution was when protesters stormed Bastille, a state prison in Paris. This event marked the beginning of the revolution and is celebrated as Bastille Day every year on July 14.

In conclusion, the people of France were protesting for various reasons, including economic difficulties, social inequality, and lack of political representation. The French Revolution was a time of great change and upheaval that ultimately led to the establishment of a new government and society in France.