Summary:
The French Revolution had been a time in France when great changes came about. The French did have many successes that aided in the expansion of human freedom. Those successes helped achieve equality for all people in different groups in France.
The French Revolution was a time for expansion in human freedom. It was a way for the French to re-invent their government to give some sort of equality for their people. There were many successes the French Revolution made, such as creating public schools for children and making it mandatory for them to attend. The French Revolution had the intentions to create a better government and lifestyle for their people, such as Jacobins who believed in the poor having their turn to rule. Though, others opposed the ideas of the revolution. Those people did not go unpunished by their beliefs. This was known as the Reign of Terror, which was not completely necessary for their society.
The French Revolution was held in order to stop the oppression of the third estate. The third estate was made up of almost more than half of the French society. It was being over powered by the first and second estate, which consisted of the rich upper class. During the revolution many successes were made in order to expand human freedom. Many of these successes were made to help benefit the lower class. One very important success was the abolishment of slavery. Many of the people in France believed that it was immoral to continue to have slaves in their country. Just like the poor, slaves suffered oppression. They believed it was only fair that blacks be given the same freedom. "Since 1789 the aristocracy of birth and the aristocracy of religion have been destroyed; but we have not destroyed the aristocracy of the skin, and it still remains. (The French Revolution Abolishes Slavery: Meeting of the National Convention)" This showed how the people of France believed all should be equal and have the natural born right regardless of color and race. Another success was the creation of Public Education funded by the government. This was made mandatory for children under the age of 12. "Part I: All children will attend school, boys between the ages of 5 and 12, girls between the ages of 5 and 11. (Draft of Law on Public Education, by Citizen Robespierre)" This showed how the government was serious in making sure all people in France had some education. This was a great success because every person could at least read and write. Lastly, women were finally given the freedom of equality. Woman had always been oppressed by men because of physical capability, they were not as physically strong as men. But, they were finally able to pass a law of equality in a written declaration. "Article 1: Woman is born free and lives equal to man in her rights. Social distinctions can be based only on the common utility. (Declaration of the Rights of Women, by Olympe de Gouge)" This clearly shows that the French Revolution aided women in the right of equality with men. These successes clearly show how the French Revolution helped to expand human freedom.
The people who supported the Revolution were known as Jacobins. They were people who believed that the poor should have the turn to rule, they represented the lower class people. This group was made up of anyone who believed in their ideas, even women. Two men who were part of the Jacobins were Georges Danton and Jean-Paul Marat. They highly believed in the poor being in control. Danton once stated "The Rich used to rule Paris. Now we cry: "Make way for the poor! It is their turn to rule." I agree somewhat with Danton because it was not right that the rich were the only ones to have a say in the government. All of the people in France should have been considered equal. Although, it should have not just be the poor ruling, it should have been a mixture of every class so everyone's ideas are displayed in the government. If only the poor ruled it would become the same situation as the rich ruling, one class would have too much power, thus making them feel superior over everyone. Marat had also stated a similar idea, "In order that poverty may be reduced, the property of the wealthy must be abolished." I agree with Marat's idea because it was true that the rich had so much property and the poor had nothing. This would have helped alleviate poverty in France. People needed to stop being greedy and help each other out. Both Danton and Marat displayed good ideas regarding poverty and ways in which to alleviate it.
Even though many French were for the revolution there were others who were against it. The Revolution faced oppositions by other French who did not support it. People opposed the Revolution by committing acts such not sending their children to school or by publishing oppositions in the newspapers. These actions did not go unpunished. This was why the policy of the Reign of Terror was held. It was meant to silence and restrict the oppositions of the Revolution. The Jacobins of the revolution were very against people who did not share their beliefs and with that they highly believed in severe punishment. Marat stated "It will be impossible for us to escape the horrors of civil war if we do not finally make up our minds to cut off the heads" (Punish Our Enemies, by Marat). This showed how the Jacobins did not have any remorse for oppositionists. Many were killed because of the Reign of Terror, even innocent people who were wrongly accused. The statistics of this time showed a percentage from each group that died during the Revolution. A total of 13,800 died, the greatest percentage came from workers and craftsmen, 31% (So Many Died during the French Revolution). This was due to the harsh tortures from the guillotine. I believe that is was not necessary, the Reign of Terror bestowed such harsh punishments for oppositionists. There could have been other ways to make those people agree with their views.
The French Revolution had been a time in France when great changes came about. The French did have many successes that aided in the expansion of human freedom. Those successes helped achieve equality for all people in different groups in France. Though, people who opposed the Revolution did not have an easy ticket out, they were faced with death by the guillotine. The Reign of Terror was the down side of the Revolution because it did kill many. Though, this was a step for the French to become a more equal society.
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