User:Lollag92

While the French Revolution had some characteristics that would lead a person to believe that it is not a revolution, the fact that there were widespread acts of violence, repeated concessions, and many failures of the standing government gives irrevocable evidence that it was, in fact, a revolution. The storming of Bastille is indisputably an act of violence, and it was closely related to the revolution. The irony is that Louis XVI was obliged by the situation to convene the Third Estate, the people who stormed Bastille in the first place! There were, as is the case with any revolution, a few minor discrepancies, such as the fact that it was caused by the misery of the people. However, it could hardly be argued that one mere anomaly would completely negate a revolution. Unfortunately, in discovering that it is a revolution, more analysis of the events that took place is necessary. ————In May of 1789, Louis XVI (through his own fault) was forced to convene the Estates-Generals. Through this, the Third Estate came together for the first time in over 100 years. This marked the first step in the revolution. By allowing what amounted to 97% of the French population to take even a minute piece of power, he showed the weakness inherent in the hierarchical system. Unfortunately, this power of the Third Estate would prove to be the single chink that would crack the armor of the French Government. Brought together in hopes of solving what could only be described as an economic crisis, the Third Estate was truly charged with the future of it’s nation. It doesn’t take hindsight to see this demonstration of the government’s failings, and the people would have very easily realized that if they were to try to change the government, their would be no better time than then. It also spurred the production of much propaganda, such as the famous article entitled What is the Third Estate? This article was probably one of the most-read articles in that century, and many Moderates were convinced to support the Third Estate4. By gaining not only political power, but power with the public as well, the Third Estate had taken an essential step in overthrowing the King. ————One of the primary necessities for an even to be considered a revolution is that violence must be present. In July of 1789, the fear of the military presence in Paris turned to hostility, and Bastille was stormed in search of weapons in hopes of defending the Third Estate.