Causes of The French Revolution
The boulevards were like all the other streets, brilliantly illuminated, with immense numbers of people walking up and down on this late February evening. Men, women, and children were rejoicing, as the terrible struggles of the day had ceased. Near the Hotel des Capucines there was a heavy force of military troops, who’s main purpose seemed to be directing traffic. All was tranquil for some time; presently a column of unarmed students and artisans marched down the boulevard singing. Suddenly a shot echoed throughout the city, an entire squadron of troops charged the crowd with muskets blazing and swords drawn. Percy B. St John was an eyewitness to the events herein described; the following was taken from his notes compiled at the time. “The sight was awful. Husbands were seen dragging their fainting wives from the massacre; fathers snatching up their children, with pale faces and clenched teeth, hurried away to put their young ones in safety, and then to come out in arms against the monarchy. Women clung to railings, trees, or to a wall, or fell fainting on the stones… Afterwards Utter strangers would be seen shaking hands and congratulating one another on their escape.”1
Dowd continues to say that Louis was more concerned with his own personal interests than that of the State and the Court. The Deputy addressed the Colonel, who commanded the squadron with this remark. Apparently a soldiers gun had gone off, accidentally striking his horse’s leg in the process. Instead Dowd discusses the possibility of mild reforms to gain the support of the public again. ”2 Lines of distinction between classes were tightly drawn, and opportunities for social advancement were very few. The people could no longer be taxed, but the revenue had to come from somewhere. Instead Louis was insistent on not annoying the nobility. Therefore Louis had to borrow the differences in expenditures and revenue, this action saw a constant loan cycle develop. After persuasion by the nobility, they converted themselves into The National Assembly in June 17, 1789. When the French aided the Americans during the American Revolution, they sent men, ships, and guns as well as financial aid.
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