The Enlightenment aka The Age of Reason in Revolutionary France

• Sceptical about Catholicism, divine right, thought people should focus on life, not the afterlife.

• Supported religious toleration, freedom of speech and press, free trade, uniform system of taxation and abolition of tax privileges.

• Wanted a constitutional monarch, NOT A REPUBLIC.

• Wanted a meritocratic system, rather than being decided by birth.

• Condemned the wealth, corruption and intolerance of the Church.

• QUESTIONED STRUCTURE OF SOCIETY.

• Men should control their own destiny.

• If favour of liberty over equality, but wanted this in front of the law.

• ...People in towns and cities.

• ...The educated: Urban bourgeoisie, liberal nobility, aristocrats, lawyers, artisans.

• Ideas spread through writers and journalists in books (though rare), plays (took place on the streets), journals, drawings and newspapers.

• The movement was supported by scaremongering (use of fear to influence opinions of others) pamphlets and cartoons attacking the monarchy, particularly Marie Antoinette.

• There was nothing for rural workers, who had to get their information from the Church.

• Attacked the aristocracy, government and Catholic Church.

"Ecrasez l'infame" Crush the infamous (Church)

• Spent time in England when in exile and learned of religious toleration, freedom of speech, scientific developments and workings of a constitutional monarchy.

• Closely linked to Frederick II of Prussia, an enlightened absolutist.

• Wrote ideas in 'Letters philosophiques'.

• The Social Contract

• Citizens of a state must help to create ground rules upon which the state runs

• Ideal society free from abitrary power- popular sovereignty: everybody is King

"Force men to be free if necessary in the interests of the General Will"

• General Will: True will of every citizen-what is best for society and conscience as a whole

• Influenced Robespierre during The Terror

• Not in favour of Revolution

• Attacked prejudice

"The best state of human nature is nature itself" 

• Discussed in salons, informal meetings

• President of the Bordeaux Parlement.

• Condemned despotic monarchs.

• Spoke out against noble power.

• 'Spirit of the Laws 1748' advocates constitutionalism, separation of powers (Executive, Legislature, Judiciary), abolition of slavery, preservation of civil liberties and rule of law.

• Political and legal institutions should reflect the social character of communities.

• Did not accept literal interpretation of the Bible.

• Provided reason for criticism and change.

• Attacked power of the King and the whole basis of the Ancien Regime.

• Attacked the Church.

• Gave foundation for language of the revolution- liberty, equality, fraternity, freedom.

• Without financial crisis, wouldn't have led to revolution.

• Some historians: didn't cause the revolution, but influenced ideas (Robespierre). 

• Parlements opposed tax reforms on grounds of protecting people's interests.

• Assembly of Notables refused tax reforms as they thought the Estates-General should agree them.

• Parlements question the 'divine rights of the King' after Royal Session.

• Men joining the Church declined.

• Complaints from 2nd estate increased, over the King's dependence on ministers.

• American War of Independence provides basis for questioning liberty and equality of the French.

• Cahiers (list of grievances) drawn up before Estates-General.