Modern Day Mythology and Historical Events

French Revolution

• By 1789, France was experiencing poverty, famine, and drought, leading to widespread starvation and heavy taxes, which primarily affected the peasants.
• The peasants had no political or social representation, and the absolutist government, led by Louis XVI, struggled with war debts from financing the American Revolution.

Royal Couple

• Louis XVI was characterized as quiet, a homebody, and a bookworm, while Marie Antoinette was spirited, vivacious, and outgoing, loving parties and shopping.
• The royal couple faced pressure to consummate their marriage and produce an heir, as well as pressure to become a constitutional monarchy.
• Louis XVI was educated and had attempted to advocate for the abolition of serfdom, religious tolerance, and lower taxes on the poor.

Events Leading to the French Revolution

• The dismissal of Necker, refusal of constitutional monarchy, and the event where defenders fired cannons at peasants, killing themselves, scared the king and nobility.
• The assembly created the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizens, which gave rights to all, except women.
• Olympia de Gouges wrote her own declaration, criticizing the lack of women's rights.

Military and National Guard

• Louis XVI's troops backed down, and a national guard was created, with a leader who designed a new symbol based on Parisian colors (red, blue, and white).
• The storming of the Bastille did not improve the lives of everyday people, and armed women marched on Versailles to demand bread.
• Marie Antoinette was falsely accused of saying "let them eat cake."

Constitutional Monarchy

• Moderates advocated for a constitutional monarchy, while Jacobins (radicals) pushed for a republic, marking the beginning of the political spectrum.
• Nobility fled France, taking their wealth with them, and Louis XVI looked to Austria for help.

Flight to Varennes and War with Austria

• Louis XVI attempted to flee to Austria, disguising himself and Marie Antoinette, but they were caught.
• The king believed that war would either help the financial crisis or destabilize the revolution.

Declaration of Pillnitz

• Austria and Prussia urged other European nations to join forces to fight France and restore the absolute monarchy.
• France fought back exceptionally well, and more radical elements gained popularity.

September Massacres and Rise of Radicals

• The September Massacres (1792) were triggered by Austrian and Prussian successes in war, and fear of royalist forces attacking Paris.
• Girodins seemed weak, and radicals, like Marat, called for pre-emptive strikes.
• 1200-1400 prisoners and a few priests were killed in Paris within five days.

End of the Monarchy

• Louis XVI was removed in September 1792 and eventually executed by guillotine in January 1793.
• Radicals realized that if Louis or his heir was still alive, the monarchy could be restored.

The Terror

• The Terror (1793-1794) was a period of violence that began 15 months after the French Revolution started.
• Corday was beheaded, and Marat became a martyr and symbol for the revolution, justifying the need to purge all moderate aspects.

Leadership and Purges

• Georges Danton advocated for the republic and the king's death, instrumental in the purge of the national assembly, leading to the Jacobins seizing control.
• Danton was later executed as an enemy because he was not seen as radical enough.
• Maximilien Robespierre, head of the Committee of Public Safety, dedicated to rooting out and eliminating the enemies of the people, seized control and enacted a radical agenda.