To what extent did the developments of the French revolution from 1789 to 1799 meet the demands and expectations of the third estate?

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The French Revolution from 1789 to 1799 had a significant impact on the demands and expectations of the Third Estate, which was composed of the commoners, bourgeoisie, and peasants. Here are the developments of the revolution and their extent in meeting these demands and expectations:

1. Abolition of feudalism: The Third Estate demanded an end to the oppressive feudal system where they were burdened with heavy taxes and feudal obligations. The revolution partially met this demand with the National Assembly's decree on August 4, 1789, abolishing feudal privileges. However, some forms of feudal dues continued in practice, limiting the complete fulfillment of this demand.

2. Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen: The Third Estate sought equality, liberty, and political representation. The revolutionaries responded by adopting the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen in August 1789. This document proclaimed equality before the law, freedom of speech, and representative government. While this declaration met some demands of the Third Estate, the political representation was initially limited to property owners, leaving the majority of the working class still excluded.

3. Nationalization of Church property: The Third Estate demanded the end to the Church's privileged status and the confiscation of its vast wealth. This demand was partially met when the revolutionary government nationalized the Church's property in 1790, enabling the state to control church finances. However, this move did not eliminate the influence of the Church entirely, as it continued to have significant power and privileges.

4. The Reign of Terror: The Third Estate demanded social justice, equality, and an end to corruption. However, the revolutionary government's response to threats to the revolution led to the Reign of Terror (1793-1794), during which thousands of people, including many from the Third Estate, were executed or imprisoned. This period did not meet the Third Estate's expectations of justice and equality, and it contradicted their demands for a fair and just society.

5. Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte: The Third Estate aspired for stable governance and social change. Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power in 1799 brought an end to the revolution. While Napoleon implemented some reforms consistent with the demands of the revolution, such as the Napoleonic Code, which laid the foundation for legal equality, he also established an authoritarian regime that curtailed individual freedoms. Thus, his rule did not fully meet the expectations of the Third Estate.

In conclusion, although the French Revolution brought about significant changes and met some demands of the Third Estate, such as the abolition of feudalism and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, it fell short in fully meeting their expectations for political representation, social justice, and equality. The Reign of Terror and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte further deviated from the original goals and demands of the Third Estate.

To determine the extent to which the developments of the French Revolution met the demands and expectations of the Third Estate, we need to analyze the key demands and actions that took place during this period.

The Third Estate was comprised of the common people of France, representing the majority of the population and encompassing the lower and middle classes. They faced a myriad of grievances, primarily related to social inequality, political exclusion, and economic hardships. Their demands can be summarized as follows:

1. Political Representation: The Third Estate advocated for equal representation in the Estates-General, a legislative body that had not been summoned in over a century. They sought a fair voting system that would eliminate the privileged positions of the First (clergy) and Second (nobility) Estates.

2. Economic Reforms: The Third Estate demanded the abolition of feudal privileges, the equal distribution of taxation, and an end to the heavy burden of taxation on the lower classes. They also sought to mitigate the agrarian crisis and improve living conditions.

3. Social Equality: The Third Estate called for the abolition of the rigid social hierarchy, where the nobility held significant privileges. They aimed to establish a more egalitarian society, with equal opportunities for all individuals.

Examining the developments of the French Revolution, we can evaluate the extent to which these demands were met:

1. Political Representation: The Third Estate's demand for equal representation was partially met with the National Assembly being formed in 1789, which included members of the Third Estate. However, their expectations were not fully met, as the subsequent Constitution of 1791 maintained a property-based voting system, limiting the influence of the lower classes.

2. Economic Reforms: The developments of the Revolution brought some economic reforms. Feudal privileges and obligations were abolished, and the taxation system was reformed to include the nobility and clergy. However, economic disparities persisted, and the Third Estate did not achieve significant changes in wealth distribution.

3. Social Equality: The Revolution made strides towards social equality. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, issued in 1789, proclaimed equality before the law and the end of privileged legal statuses. However, the reality fell short of the expectations, as equality was not fully realized, particularly with regards to economic and educational opportunities.

Overall, while the French Revolution brought about some changes that addressed the demands of the Third Estate, the extent to which their expectations were met was limited. The Revolution's outcomes were influenced by various factors, including the rise of more radical factions, the challenges of social and economic restructuring, and the persistence of vested interests.

To further explore this topic, you can refer to historical documents, scholarly sources, or books that delve into the French Revolution and its impact on different social classes in France during the period of 1789-1799.