Historical Analysis of Colson's Perspective

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary reason for Colson's optimism about the new Assembly?

The Assembly's oath to God, indicating divine support.

The Assembly's promise to draft a new Constitution.

The Assembly's declaration of independence from the king.

The unity and shared purpose among the three estates. (correct)

What historical event, noted as significant by historians, did Colson not initially recognize as important?

The Assembly's oath in the tennis court to create a Constitution. (correct)

The Assembly's oath to God and the King.

The king's rejection of the Assembly's actions.

The unity and optimism among the three estates.

What was the king's response to the National Assembly's actions?

He ordered the Assembly to disband immediately.

He rejected the Assembly's actions and sided with the nobles. (correct)

He supported the Assembly's efforts to create a new Constitution.

He praised the Assembly for representing the interests of all three estates.

What significance did Colson attribute to the Assembly's oath "to God"?

It represented God's support for the creation of a new nation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the prevailing sentiment among those Colson encountered at the Palais Royal?

Optimism about the prospects of national reform. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What action sparked the violent confrontation involving royal troops in Paris?

A misinterpreted comment by Jean-Baptiste Réveillon regarding bread prices. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of Colson to the events of the riot in his neighborhood?

He initially sympathized with the lower classes but changed his view due to the violence against soldiers. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What action did the population take with regards to Réveillon after his comments about bread prices were misinterpreted?

They burned an effigy of him and attempted to find and kill him. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why did Colson fail to see the events in Versailles directly?

His professional life and the distance from Paris made it difficult. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did Colson and his neighbors stay informed about the events at Versailles?

They read heavily censored newspapers and listened to reports from heralds. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was said to have happened to well-dressed citizens who entered the neighborhood of Saint-Antoine?

They were subjected to looting and extortion by the people in the area. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the overall attitude that characterized Colson's opinions regarding the lower classes during this period?

An increasingly complex and sometimes contradictory perspective with their actions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the formal ceremony attended by the deputies in Versailles?

To officially welcome and present each of the deputies to King Louis XVI. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What event immediately preceded the official opening of the Estates General?

A procession of the estates to the church of Saint-Louis. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary point of contention between the Third Estate and the other two estates?

The manner in which votes would be cast and counted. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Third Estate's decision on June 14?

They resolved to go ahead with organizing themselves into the National Assembly regardless of the other estates. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the immediate result of the Third Estate forming itself into a National Assembly?

They took control over all taxation matters. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What phrase did Colson frequently start using in his letters, reflecting new ideas he absorbed?

despotism and oppression (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Estates General meeting at the beginning?

To address the issue of taxation and social unrest. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about Parisian public opinion during the Estates General?

They were increasingly impatient with the nobility's stance. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Third Estate feel the need to form itself into a National Assembly?

Due to the lack of progress in negotiations and the determination to represent the nation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What did Colson pin to his coat to symbolize his patriotic commitment?

A circular red and blue cocarde (B) Signup and view all the answers

What atmosphere accompanied the militia's formation in mid-July?

A humid and oppressive weather (A) Signup and view all the answers

Where did the crowds converge on July 14?

The Bastille (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the popular belief about the Bastille at the time?

It contained large quantities of muskets and ammunition. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How many individuals from Colson's neighborhood were listed as present for the attack on the Bastille?

Only eight (A) Signup and view all the answers

Who did Colson receive most of his information about the Bastille from?

A young individual who claimed to have participated (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the raiding of arms shops across the city?

To equip the new militia (D) Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Colson's letters reflect the confusion of the events in his neighborhood?

They were often cut short due to his responsibilities. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What reaction did the people have towards their lords in many regions of France?

They turned to the lords for guidance and leadership. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Who was asked to command the newly created militia?

The Marquis of Longaunay (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was Lemaigre's role in the community?

He collected rents and dues for the nobles. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What led to Lemaigre being placed in preventive custody?

His collection of rents caused public outrage. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was Colson's initial opinion about the rural common people before the threatening incident with Lemaigre?

He maintained tolerance and compassion towards them. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What shocking realization did Colson have after the altercation involving Lemaigre?

He lost his compassion towards the violence of the countryside. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did Colson describe the people who threatened Lemaigre?

As malicious and devoid of reason. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the state of Colson's neighborhood during the summer of 1789?

It was marked by chaos and near anarchy. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What actions did citizens, motivated by the idea of liberty, begin to undertake?

Claiming the freedom to legislate and determine their own destinies (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which group threatened civilians in the city?

Deserters from the army (D) Signup and view all the answers

What did Colson feel obligated to do during the turmoil in Paris?

Continue advising his noble clients (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the special ceremony called by abbé Nicolas Morel?

To pray for the return of calm in the parish and city (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did the peasantry express their concept of liberty?

By trespassing on noble lands to hunt game (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of Colson during the unrest in Paris?

He remained enthusiastic about the early achievements of the Revolution (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the processions organized on the Left Bank?

They sought divine intercession for peace (A) Signup and view all the answers

What danger did the young gamekeeper face when protecting noble lands?

Violence from local poachers (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Adrien Colson's Observations of the French Revolution

Colson, aged 62, was deeply immersed in the events of 1789 in Versailles and Paris.
Initially, news was brief in his correspondence, but he expanded his letters to detail political events, demonstrations, and violence.
His letters became historical accounts, documenting emotions and sequences of events.
Colson faced the challenge of accessing reliable information, as censorship was lifting and many newspapers appeared.
News coverage was often biased or misrepresented, with hawkers prioritizing sales over accuracy.
Colson relied on neighborhood rumors, attempting to critically evaluate the information he received from diverse sources.

Reliable Information Sources

Important developments were communicated by royal heralds via decrees or posters.
The proliferation of newspapers increased considerably.
Journalists held diverse viewpoints and interpretations of events, leading to potential biases and misrepresentation.

Colson documented the intense emotions, hope, and fear surrounding the transformations of the French Kingdom.
Public gatherings and protests escalated and involved the commoners and royal troops.
Events stemming from the rumors, misinterpreted pronouncements of a Paris elector regarding bread prices, resulted in a violent confrontation
The fear within Paris was considerable due to stories, rumors, and accounts of looming danger, like the threat of a military invasion or grain shortages.

Impact of the French Revolution

Colson, despite initial sympathy with the lower classes, acknowledged the unrest and violence.
Colson noted the increasing complexity in his perspective toward the commoners as events escalated.
He documented fear, violence, protests, and the abolishment of the monarchy and establishment of a national assembly.
The fall of the Bastille became a significant turning point.
Accounts detail the brutality of the violent unrest in Paris and the countryside, including many executions leading to fear.
Colson observed the emergence of a "National Assembly" as a result of the widespread anxiety among the people.
The creation of a citizen militia, or "National Guard," characterized by democratic leadership selection, was witnessed.
The public demonstrated its support for the revolution with enthusiasm and diverse activities, including the creation of a more democratic system, which led to widespread hopes.
The violence that was a feature of the time affected the public in an era marked by great change, anxiety, and fervent hope among the participants.

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Description

This quiz explores the viewpoints of Colson during a tumultuous historical period, examining his optimism about the National Assembly and his reactions to significant events. Key questions address the responses from the king, the sentiments at the Palais Royal, and the rioting in his neighborhood. Test your understanding of this critical moment in history and Colson's insights.