French+Revolution+Project

French Revolution Project

**NOBLES:** Phase #1 - Nobles: The nobles of France were not very pleased with the passing of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. They had already given up their privileges, along with the clergy, during the night session of August 4th. Then, on August 27, the new constitution was passed stating that all men are created free and equal, and that taxes would be levied according to ability to pay. Shortly afterwards, hereditary nobility and titles were abolished completely. This meant that the rich would not be differentiated from the peasants. Phase #1 - Bourgeoisie: At the time of the creation of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen, the bourgeoisie were thrilled at what was unfurling in France. Because they were the portion of the third estate that was successful and that were at the verge of being nobility, the bourgeoisie started the revolution, because they wanted equality. The National Assembly was formed and made of primarily the bourgeoisie and with a larger number and a new form of voting which by total head count, the bourgeoisie had a upper hand in making the decisions. During the Night Session of August 4, the National Assembly was able to abolish feudalism, and with the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen, the National Assembly ensured that social classes were annulled, and equality was formed between all men. This document showed that the bourgeoisie was succeeding in their efforts to reform France. Phase #1- Urban poor: The Declaration of the Rights of Man allowed all men to be equal. This helped the urban poor because the urban poor did not have a say and now the urban poor can stand up for themselves. Many of the urban poor were heavily taxed and they could not speak up against it. The urban poor were now allowed to be treated fairly and equally. The urban poor are now allowed to speak up for themselves and they are now treated equally. The declaration of the rights of man gave the urban poor a say.  Phase #2 - Nobles: By the time of Louis' execution, the National Convention had given the right to vote to all men, seized lands of nobles, and abolished titles of nobility. They were no longer the second estate, the people most closely in contact with the people of power, they were now just mere citizens, subject to whatever the radicals leading the National Convention decided. With the execution of their monarch, so went all the protection and privileges the nobles once had. Phase #2 - Bourgeoisie: The Execution of Louis XVI was another source of pride for the bourgeoisie. As Louis XVI was a huge disappointment with no impact or role in the revolution, the bourgeoisie were definitely prepared and ready for a change. Maximilien Robespierre, the leader who lead France into the radical phase, was a representative of the bourgeoisie. It was Robespierre himself, who ordered the execution of King Louis XVI. Robespierre's teachings were a little extreme, teachings of virtue and equality but not without terror, and not all of the bourgeoisie agreed with him, but he was supported because he was a leader. He made headway into the revolution by spreading a strong and bold message, and although he was executed himself, his actions in execution Louis XVI symbolized that the monarchs were weak and that the people were ready for a different and more equal way of government. Phase #2 Urban poor: The trial and execution of Louis XVI really helped the urban poor. Louis XVI had made the French go into debt for many things: wars, Marie's spending, and heavy spending. Louis XVI really put the urban poor in debt and his trial and execution allowed them to keep their money and not have to pay for other's actions. The poor also did not have to fight for bread because they were not so heavily taxed. The poor were now able to be more free and they did not have to fight for food and they were not as hungry and poor as they were under Louis XVI's reign.  Phase #3 - Nobles: Napoleon's abdication was a loss for the nobles of France. While the nobles still longed for the privileges they once had, they were glad that Napoleon set up economic reforms and restored order after the years of radicalism. After Napoleon abdicated, Louis XVIII was recognized the king of France. The nobles hoped that this was a step back towards the old regime, but with the return of Napoleon, the king fled. Even after the fall of Napoleon and his empire, the feeling of nationalism was still strong in the citizens of France. Phase #3 - Bourgeoisie: Although Napoleon was a monarch, his abdication to Elba brought disappointment to the bourgeoisie. Napoleon was a very clever ruler, and through his rule he was able to please all the classes. With his economic reforms and his new laws, the bourgeoisie as well as the rest of the middle class was satisfied. They were content because although he had a dictatorship, in a way he still had freedom and equality. But as Napoleon began to wage wars and lose French money the scene was starting to look all too familiar and he lost most of his support. He abdicated or resigned after meeting much failure and he was exiled on the island of Elba. After he was exiled, the French nobles crowned Louis XVIII as the new monarch, but this was met with a lot of revolt. After the revolution the last thing the bourgeoisie wanted was a new and weak monarch, and as the country began to fall into a depression, most of the population wanted Napoleon back, and he did indeed return from his exile in Elba and was only permanently exiled later on. Napoleon was liked by the bourgeoisie because he implemented fair rules, and the bourgeoisie fought just for that throughout the revolution. Phase #3 Urban poor -