La Révolution française des origines à 1795 | L'Histoire nous le dira Série #1

The Origins of the French Revolution00:00:00

An overview of the economic and social crises in late 18th century France, including royal overspending, the cost of the American war, poor harvests caused by the Laki volcano eruption, and rising bread prices. It discusses the calling of the Estates General, the grievance notebooks of the three estates, the formation of the National Assembly, the Tennis Court Oath, and the dismissal of Jacques Necker.

The Estates General00:10:53

Events unfold rapidly in April, May, and June 1789, including the Réveillon riots in Paris, the arrival of deputies at Versailles, the death of the Dauphin, the declaration of the National Assembly, the Tennis Court Oath, and the creation of the Constituent Assembly on July 9.

July 178900:18:14

The atmosphere in Paris turns volatile following the dismissal of Necker. Camille Desmoulins incites the crowd, leading to the attack on the customs barriers and the Storming of the Bastille on July 14. The governor De Launay and Jacques de Flesselles are killed, Louis XVI recognizes the new authority, and the Marquis de Lafayette becomes Commander of the National Guard.

The Great Fear00:32:26

Rural panic spreads across France due to rumors of aristocratic plots and foreign invasion. On the night of August 4, 1789, the National Assembly abolishes feudal privileges and seigneurial rights. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen is drafted, distinguishing between active and passive citizens, and the terms 'left' and 'right' emerge based on seating arrangements in the Assembly.

The King in Paris00:45:27

Following the Women's March on Versailles in October 1789, the royal family moves to Paris. The Assembly nationalizes church property, issues assignats, and passes the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, causing a split between jurors and refractory priests. The period concludes with the Festival of the Federation on July 14, 1790.

A new political culture and the flight from Varennes00:55:51

The rise of political clubs like the Jacobins and Cordeliers and the explosion of political newspapers. Mirabeau dies, and moderates seek to end the Revolution. Louis XVI attempts to flee Paris for Montmédy on June 20-21, 1791, but is recognized and arrested at Varennes, returning to Paris to icy silence.

From right to left01:07:22

The aftermath of the Flight to Varennes deepens divisions. The Champ de Mars massacre occurs on July 17, 1791, when the National Guard fires on demonstrators. The Constitution of September 3, 1791 establishes a Constitutional Monarchy, and the Legislative Assembly is formed with emerging factions including the Feuillants, Constitutionalists, and Jacobins.

The wars01:19:55

France declares war on Austria and Prussia in April 1792. Rouget de Lisle composes 'La Marseillaise.' Initial military failures lead to accusations of treason against the King. The Brunswick Manifesto threatens Paris, intensifying popular anger and leading to the storming of the Tuileries on August 10, 1792, which effectively ends the monarchy.

August 10, 179201:31:03

The insurrectionary Commune of Paris takes power. The Tuileries palace is attacked, the Swiss Guards are massacred, and the King is arrested and imprisoned in the Temple. Symbols of the monarchy are destroyed, de-Christianization begins, and street names are purged of religious references.

September slaughter01:39:00

Following the defeat at Verdun, the September Massacres occur in Paris prisons, killing roughly 1,000 to 1,400 people. French forces win at Valmy on September 20, 1792. The National Convention convenes, abolishes royalty on September 21, and proclaims the French Republic, dating documents from Year I of the Republic.

The Death of Louis XVI01:48:14

The trial of Louis Capet begins in December 1792. He is found guilty of conspiracy against public liberty. On January 21, 1793, Louis XVI is executed by guillotine at the Place de la Révolution. The executioner Charles Henri Sanson carries out the sentence, and the King's head is shown to the crowd.

1793: The Betrayals01:56:39

Following the King's execution, Marie-Antoinette recognizes her son as Louis XVII. Spain, Portugal, Great Britain, and the United Provinces join the coalition against France. General Dumouriez defects to the enemy, marking a series of betrayals that strike the heart of the Revolution as it enters a more radical phase.