In the 1st part, we read about the people and the taxes in France. How french society was divided into three parts. How the king increased taxes. But there was a twist.
THE ANGER OF THE THIRD PARTY
when the king called the meeting. The first two parties were very confident that they would easily increase the tax. But the people of the third estate(party) were so angry that they left the meeting hall and came to the tennis court of.the king. They took the oath that they will not live the place unless and until they write the constitution of France and be called as the national assembly. The king finally agreed and people wrote the constitution. Still Louis XVI is the king but the powers of him were a little reduced. The main motive for the people to write the constitution was to decrease the power of the king, everyone should be treated equally, everyone must pay taxes, and most importantly, each person must have one vote instead of one party one vote. While the people were writing the constitution, women were protesting against the high price of 🍞 bread. Bread was the staple diet of France meaning everyone ate it as a common diet. It was winter season and the crops gave a bad harvest. Due to demand and supply, the price of bread rised up. The women protested against it and, to control the situation, the king sent it's troops and army all over the area to control the situation. People heard the rumours that they will fire the people and because of this, the people broke into prison called Bastille and used the ammunition (weapons) to fight against army.
THE VOTING PATTERN DURING 1791
The people wrote the constitution of France in the year 1791. The voting patter was also declared. Each person got one vote. But the voting pattern was not the same as it is today. In those times, to create assembly, people had to vote electors. These electors then voted members who were seated in the national assembly. Only men above 25 years and paid taxes equal to 3 times the daily income of a labourer were allowed to vote. Women and children were not allowed to vote. To become an elector or a member of national assembly, men must belong to the group of highest tax payers.
DECLARATION OF RIGHTS
These rights were given to every citizen of the country. These were:- Right to life, right to speak, right to equality etc. These rights can't be taken away from the citizens.
POLITICAL SYMBOLS OF FRANCE
Though France wrote the constitution, but there were many people who can't read and write. So, symbols were made so that people could understand them. These were
1) The broken chain ⛓️⛓️🔗:- chain were used to tie slaves. The broken chain means that slaves are free.
2) Bundle of rods and fasces:- one rod can be broken but not the bundle, strength lies within unity.
3) The eye within triangle radiating light:- eye stands for knowledge. The radiating light will keep the clouds of ignorance away.
4) Sceptre:- symbol of power(royal)
5) snake biting it's tail forming a ring ⭕:- symbol of eternity. It has neither beginning nor end.
6) Red Phrygian cap:- cap slaves worn after becoming free.
7) Blue,white and red:- national colours of France
8) winged woman:- personification of law 🗽
9) law tablet:- law is same for everyone, all are equal before it.
Next episode:- in the next episode, we will read that France abolishes monarchy and becomes republic.
THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
EPISODE:- 2
WRITTEN BY:- SCG
