The French Revolution that began in the 18th century in France changed the view on the true power of the people while shattering the political system that has been Europe’s history. The French Revolution began for many different reasons; new Enlightenment ideas, influence of the American Revolution, the problems with social divisions and taxes, financial crisis, and the weakness of both Louis and Marie Antoinette’s ruling in France. The social divisions are known as the three estates; one being the clergy, two being the nobility, and third being the commoners; everybody else, also played a role. It reflected the old medieval feudalism system that was no longer relevant at the time. The American Revolution across the Atlantic was also a cause in the decision of beginning the French Revolution because America was successful in creating a new government system based on Enlightenment ideas, allowed the French to believe that it was possible for them as well. New Enlightenment ideas allowed people to think in new philosophical ways that led them to question the authority of France and the system of absolutism. The Enlightenment ideas stemmed from the scientific revolution, that people should doubt and question everything they have been taught and only rely on experiments and observations for the truth. In addition, it aided in the declaration of both man and woman rights that allowed everyone to be equal in society. The French Revolution began due to various causes; however, the social divisions of the three estates and the new Enlightenment ideas play the biggest roles while contributing to the rights and equality of both man and women in society.
Many Enlightenment philosophers agreed that the social division of France is not the best political system to exist. In fact, Abbe Sieyes, a priest who is considered part of the first estate criticized the system in his writing of “What is the Third Estate?”. He criticizes the way the system is structured and says “What is necessary that a nation should subsist and prosper?” and replies with “Individual effort and public functions” (Sieyes, 1). In saying that, he claims and acknowledges that a nation is defined by the efforts and contributions of its citizens as well as their role in the nation, not by the title of their jobs. It’s not smart to not tax the priests and those of the nobility but highly tax those of the third estate because it favors one group over the other. He goes on to explain that those who devote their life to agriculture labor or sales after production, perform jobs that are necessary for the survival of the people in France. Those jobs are performed by the third estate, yet to show appreciation, they are highly taxed and considered of the lowest class citizens. Similar to Jean Jacque Rousseau’s philosophy in the social contract, Sieyes goes on to question the organization of an absolute state, where the king makes decisions for the country without regard of its people even though they make up a large part of the nation. “Who then shall dare to say that the Third Estate has not within itself all that is necessary for the formation of a complete nation?… Therefore, what is the Third Estate? Everything; but an everything shackled and oppressed. What would it be without the privileged order? Everything, but an everything free and flourishing. Nothing can succeed without it; everything would be infinitely better without the others.” (Sieyes, 1). In this quote, he explains that the third estate is everything that a nation needs but its restricted and oppressed because of the societal division in place. Without that societal division and privilege available, they will truly be free and will bring success to the nation. If the priest who is a part of the first estate viewed the division in this way, imagine how the commoners in the third estate felt; anger and disappointment led them to protest for their rights commanding them to the formation of the national assembly.
Besides societal division in France being a cause of the French Revolution, new intellectual enlightenment ideas greatly contributed to it in the late 18th century. “Declaration of the Rights of Man- 1789” written by the National Assembly of France was the first document to represent enlightenment ideas and new ways of thinking. “Men are born and remain free and equal in rights. Social distinctions may be founded only upon the general good.” (Declaration of the Rights of Man, 1). This statement pledges that all men are the same regardless of social distinctions and that the old feudalism like system should be ended. In article 6 as well, it states “Law is the expression of the general will. Every citizen has a right to participate personally, or through his representative, in its foundation. It must be the same for all, whether it protects or punishes.” (Declaration of the Rights of Man, 1). This emphasizes that all citizens of the nation are equal and that the law applies to everyone equally. This is in relevance to Montesquieu’s idea that the law is used to uphold everyone to standards to a keep a good political structure within society. Montesquieu states that everyone and every man will face the same consequences whether they are a part of the nobles or of those who enforce the law, but everyone will be treated equally.
In the “Declaration of the Rights of Women in 1791” by Olympe de Gouge, ideas of Enlightenment have also been revealed in her support of the changes caused by the Revolution. She states “The powerful empire of nature is no longer surrounded by prejudice, fanaticism, superstition, and lies.” (de Gouges, 1) as she praises the society that has been reformed. People were encouraged to search for the truth by experimenting and observing. Old traditions and system structures were no longer relevant and the Revolution changed everything. However, she then criticizes women for not using the Revolution to their advantage to seek power and voice in society. She encourages women to be more involved in all activities and asks that they be given as much rights as men. She then moves on to say that a marriage should be in the form of a social contract which reflects Rousseau’s ideas. Finally, she offers a way to “elevate the soul of women.” (de Gouges, 2) which is to have them join men in their activity and share his fortune if they argue that a woman should not be doing such work. The Enlightenment ideas played a critical role in influencing the French Revolution and the changes that occurred with it.
The French Revolution marks a great time of change and reform in history. Traditions and old rules were changed. People learned to voice their opinions and fight for their rights. Even though it started for various reasons, it began with third estate forming the national assembly which marked the beginning of the Revolution. The third estate was influenced by ideas of the Enlightenment writers such as Rousseau and Montesquieu. All men were given the right to vote and be equal in society. Women were empowered to also seek a voice in their nation and refused to be controlled by men. Even though tragedies occurred in the process, the overall goal achieved continues to serve as an example that everyone has a powerful voice.
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