To what extent did the developments of the french revolution from 1789-1799 meet the demands and expections of the 3rd estate?
https://www.thoughtco.com/what-was-the-third-estate-1221471
Kinda rough to remember try ms sue's link it should help you
To assess the extent to which the developments of the French Revolution from 1789 to 1799 met the demands and expectations of the Third Estate, one needs to examine the key events, reforms, and outcomes of the revolution and compare them with the concerns and grievances expressed by the Third Estate.
Here's a step-by-step approach to understanding the connection between the French Revolution and the demands of the Third Estate:
1. Understand the Third Estate:
- The Third Estate comprised the majority of the French population, including the bourgeoisie, urban workers, and peasants. They faced numerous economic and political challenges, such as high taxes, food shortages, and lack of representation.
2. Identify the demands and expectations of the Third Estate:
- The Third Estate sought political and social equality, an end to absolutism, fair representation in government, and economic reforms that would alleviate their hardships.
3. Study the key developments of the French Revolution:
- The French Revolution is often divided into phases, each characterized by different events and reforms. Major events include:
a. The Estates-General (1789): The Third Estate demanded equal voting rights and formed the National Assembly. This marked a challenge to the traditional power structure.
b. Tennis Court Oath (1789): The National Assembly pledged to draft a constitution that would limit the power of the monarchy.
c. Storming of the Bastille (1789): The fall of the Bastille prison symbolized the rebellion against the monarchy and the beginning of widespread unrest.
d. Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789): This document outlined the principles of equality, liberty, and popular sovereignty, reflecting some of the demands of the Third Estate.
e. Women's March on Versailles (1789): Women from Paris marched to Versailles, demanding bread and forcing King Louis XVI to move to Paris.
f. Constitutional Monarchy (1791–1792): A new constitution was drafted, limiting the powers of the king and establishing a constitutional monarchy.
g. Execution of King Louis XVI (1793): The king's execution marked a radical turn in the revolution and a rejection of the monarchy as an institution.
h. Reign of Terror (1793–1794): Led by Robespierre, this period was marked by intense political repression.
i. Rise of the Directory (1795–1799): A moderate government that attempted a more stable and conservative approach to governance.
j. Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte (1799): The revolution ultimately led to the rise of Napoleon, who established himself as First Consul and later Emperor.
4. Compare the developments with the Third Estate's demands:
- Several developments during the French Revolution partially met the demands of the Third Estate:
a. The abolition of feudalism and privileges in 1789 addressed social inequality.
b. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen recognized the principles of equality, liberty, and popular sovereignty.
c. The Constitution of 1791 established a constitutional monarchy and provided some representation for the Third Estate.
- However, certain developments fell short of the Third Estate's expectations:
a. The failure to create a truly representative democracy deprived the Third Estate of full political power.
b. Economic reforms were limited, and the plight of the peasantry remained largely unresolved.
c. The rise of radical factions, such as the Jacobins, and the subsequent Reign of Terror raised concerns about political instability and excessive violence.
d. The eventual rise of Napoleon undermined the aspirations of the revolution and concentrated power in the hands of a single ruler.
By analyzing these events and reforms, and comparing them to the concerns of the Third Estate, one can evaluate the extent to which the developments of the French Revolution met their demands and expectations.