Ep 19. The French Revolution - 1789 - 92

The French Revolution of 1789-1792 is the focus of this episode of Foundations of Western Civilization II: A History of the Modern Western World Season 1. This significant historical event came about due to a variety of factors, including economic hardships, political corruption, and a wave of Enlightenment thinking that swept through France.

The episode begins by highlighting the financial crisis that France faced in the late 1700s. The country was in debt due to its involvement in multiple wars and its support for the American Revolution. Attempts to raise taxes on the wealthy and reduce spending were met with resistance from the nobility and clergy, who enjoyed significant privileges and exemptions.

The situation was further exacerbated by a poor harvest in 1788, leading to widespread famine and unrest. The people of France were angry and disillusioned with their leaders, and calls for reform grew louder.

The show then goes on to explore the political climate in France at the time. The absolute monarchy ruled over the country, with King Louis XVI holding ultimate power. However, his rule was often undermined by those in his courts, who engaged in corruption, back-stabbing, and intrigue. The people had lost faith in their government and their rulers, and unrest was brewing.

Into this volatile mix came the Enlightenment, an intellectual movement that valued reason, tolerance, and progress. The ideas of Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu had been spreading throughout Europe, and France was no exception.

The show goes on to describe the events of July 14, 1789, when the people of Paris stormed the Bastille, a symbol of royal tyranny. This event sparked a wave of violence and rebellion throughout the country, and the revolution was underway.

The episode describes the different factions that emerged during the early stages of the revolution, from the radical Jacobins to the more moderate Girondins. The show explores the complex political, social, and economic factors at play, as the country struggled to establish a new form of government.

The show also delves into the Reign of Terror, a period of intense violence and political repression that lasted from 1793-94. During this time, the Committee for Public Safety, headed by Maximilien Robespierre, carried out thousands of executions in the name of protecting the revolution from perceived enemies.

The episode concludes by examining the legacy of the French Revolution. While it did ultimately lead to the establishment of a republic and the end of the absolute monarchy, it also came at a great cost. The country was plagued by violence and instability for years to come, and the revolution's ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity were often compromised by political expedience and internal divisions.

Overall, the episode provides a detailed and engaging overview of the French Revolution, highlighting its causes, its key players, and its impact on the course of Western history.