How did the people of Paris faciliate the French Revolution in its initial stage?
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heya
The march on Versailles in October 1789 was a significant mob action, in which women played a notable part. A large deputation arrived at Versailles. In the journees of Duquesnoy, it says:
'Imagine the surprise of many members of the assembly when some twenty fishwives entered, led by a reasonably well-dressed man called Maillard, who spoke on their behalf with great facility and in a well-educated French. The women had come to say that Paris was short of bread, they sought the help and support of the assembly. This action was simplke, and justified; it was an important commission, for to be hungry is a terrible distinction.
Following the spokesman's addres, the president replied with great goodwill, but became involved in a discussion with the women. They attacked the archbishop of Paris, saying that a miller had received two hundred livres not to grind corn from a priest who was a member of the assembly. They then proceeded to make accusations against all the clergy.
A proposed decree concerning supplies was read out to the women; the king was requested to take the strongest possible action to facilitate the free circulation of grain etc.
All this took place honourably and peacefully, until some members were unwise and bold enough to leave their places to go and chat with the women, so that their conversations were prejudicial to good order.
However, when M. Mounier left to go to the king, and the bishop of Langres took his place as president the chamber was soon filled with drunken women, who danced, climbed up on the president's dais and tried to kiss him. Vicomte de Mirabeau (the brother of the great Mirabeau) grabbed the bosoms of the prettiest women, and the most indecent behaviour occured in the sacred shrine of the representatives of the world's leading nation.
A number of detachments of the Paris National Guard began to arrive, however, they were preceded, followed or generally escorted by a crowd of people who were obviously not part of the militia, ill-clothed and armed with scythes, pitchforks, iron bars, etc. It was not yet known what they intended. M de Lafayette led them, but he had difficulty in controlling them. There were cannon in front and behind.
At six o'clock in the evening it was learned that they had a grudge against the royal bodyguards, swearing to kill them because they had insulted the national cockade.
Soon the National Guard stood at the doors of the chamber; they took over all sentry posts around the palace of Versailles and sounded the charge against the mounted bodyguards. Some guns were fired, cannon were aimed at the guards' barracks, some of them were seized and wounded, others were brought down from their horses, several fled (it seems the king had not ordered them to defend themselves). The National Guard of Versailles and Paris joined forces; the Flanders regiment and the dragoons refused to fire on the populace.
The assembly was still in session, or, to put it more accurately, still in disorder, deputies mingling with the common women - one of them sitting in the president's seat - when Mounier returned. He called everyone to order.
The king's reply was as follows:
'I declare that I accept purely and simply the declaration of the rights of man and citizens and the articles of the constitution which you have presented to me.'
This response, written and signed by the king, was read to the assembly, and there were loud cries of 'Vive le Roi!'
The palace of Versailles was in a state of turmoil all night. The queen was threatened, and people were heard to say: 'The only problem is how to share out pieces of the queen.' There was open talk of hanging her etc. She knew this, was fully aware of the danger she was in, yet did not wish to leave. It is claimed that when the king knelt to beg her to go she replied 'Sire, my place is at your feet. That is where I ought to die, if it must be that I am to die.' I heard this anecdote from the Marquis de Crillon, one of the most truthful men I know.
Others have told me that during the night, when the queen was in bed, she heard a noise in the adjoining rooms - people breaking down the doors to seize the royal guards, who fought back and defended their posts. She jumped out of bed in only a petticoat and took refuge in the king's room. It must be said that she showed at all times the greatest firmness and confidence of outlook, and displayed very great courage.
Ministers gathered round the king; they discussed whether or not he should leave Versailles. Some apparently urged him to do so, no doubt from love of him and fearing the dangers he might face; they did not consider that such an action would put his crown and his life in danger. The next morning, the king decided to leave Versailles for Paris.'
The march on Versailles in October 1789 was a significant mob action, in which women played a notable part. A large deputation arrived at Versailles. In the journees of Duquesnoy, it says:
'Imagine the surprise of many members of the assembly when some twenty fishwives entered, led by a reasonably well-dressed man called Maillard, who spoke on their behalf with great facility and in a well-educated French. The women had come to say that Paris was short of bread, they sought the help and support of the assembly. This action was simplke, and justified; it was an important commission, for to be hungry is a terrible distinction.
Following the spokesman's addres, the president replied with great goodwill, but became involved in a discussion with the women. They attacked the archbishop of Paris, saying that a miller had received two hundred livres not to grind corn from a priest who was a member of the assembly. They then proceeded to make accusations against all the clergy.
A proposed decree concerning supplies was read out to the women; the king was requested to take the strongest possible action to facilitate the free circulation of grain etc.
All this took place honourably and peacefully, until some members were unwise and bold enough to leave their places to go and chat with the women, so that their conversations were prejudicial to good order.
However, when M. Mounier left to go to the king, and the bishop of Langres took his place as president the chamber was soon filled with drunken women, who danced, climbed up on the president's dais and tried to kiss him. Vicomte de Mirabeau (the brother of the great Mirabeau) grabbed the bosoms of the prettiest women, and the most indecent behaviour occured in the sacred shrine of the representatives of the world's leading nation.
A number of detachments of the Paris National Guard began to arrive, however, they were preceded, followed or generally escorted by a crowd of people who were obviously not part of the militia, ill-clothed and armed with scythes, pitchforks, iron bars, etc. It was not yet known what they intended. M de Lafayette led them, but he had difficulty in controlling them. There were cannon in front and behind.
At six o'clock in the evening it was learned that they had a grudge against the royal bodyguards, swearing to kill them because they had insulted the national cockade.
Soon the National Guard stood at the doors of the chamber; they took over all sentry posts around the palace of Versailles and sounded the charge against the mounted bodyguards. Some guns were fired, cannon were aimed at the guards' barracks, some of them were seized and wounded, others were brought down from their horses, several fled (it seems the king had not ordered them to defend themselves). The National Guard of Versailles and Paris joined forces; the Flanders regiment and the dragoons refused to fire on the populace.
The assembly was still in session, or, to put it more accurately, still in disorder, deputies mingling with the common women - one of them sitting in the president's seat - when Mounier returned. He called everyone to order.
The king's reply was as follows:
'I declare that I accept purely and simply the declaration of the rights of man and citizens and the articles of the constitution which you have presented to me.'
This response, written and signed by the king, was read to the assembly, and there were loud cries of 'Vive le Roi!'
The palace of Versailles was in a state of turmoil all night. The queen was threatened, and people were heard to say: 'The only problem is how to share out pieces of the queen.' There was open talk of hanging her etc. She knew this, was fully aware of the danger she was in, yet did not wish to leave. It is claimed that when the king knelt to beg her to go she replied 'Sire, my place is at your feet. That is where I ought to die, if it must be that I am to die.' I heard this anecdote from the Marquis de Crillon, one of the most truthful men I know.
Others have told me that during the night, when the queen was in bed, she heard a noise in the adjoining rooms - people breaking down the doors to seize the royal guards, who fought back and defended their posts. She jumped out of bed in only a petticoat and took refuge in the king's room. It must be said that she showed at all times the greatest firmness and confidence of outlook, and displayed very great courage.
Ministers gathered round the king; they discussed whether or not he should leave Versailles. Some apparently urged him to do so, no doubt from love of him and fearing the dangers he might face; they did not consider that such an action would put his crown and his life in danger. The next morning, the king decided to leave Versailles for Paris.'
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