Introduce The National Assembly And The Declaration Of The R

Introduce The National Assembly And The Declaration Of The Rights Of

Introduce the National Assembly and the “Declaration of the Rights of Man–1789." Which three articles stand out to you the most, and why. Your response should be at least 500 words in length. Taking the point of view of either an aristocrat, member of the bourgeoisie, or peasant prior to the French Revolution, discuss and compare each of the three social classes including roles, expectations, and a comparison of the living situations. Your response should be at least 500 words in length.

Paper For Above instruction

The French Revolution was a landmark event that drastically transformed the social, political, and cultural landscape of France. Central to its ideological foundation was the National Assembly and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen of 1789, documents that encapsulated the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. As a peasant prior to the revolution, viewing these developments offers a stark contrast to the existing social hierarchy, which was characterized by stark inequalities among the aristocracy, bourgeoisie, and peasantry. Analyzing the three most compelling articles of the Declaration through this perspective reveals much about the hopes for change and the realities of social stratification at the time.

The National Assembly was formed in 1789 when representatives of the Third Estate, primarily common citizens and peasants, broke away from the Estates-General, demanding greater representation and reform. This assembly sought to abolish the ancien régime’s privileges, particularly those enjoyed by the aristocracy and clergy. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen served as a fundamental charter affirming individual rights, criticizing the old order, and asserting the sovereignty of the people. Its articles laid out principles that aimed to dismantle hereditary privileges and establish equal rights for men, regardless of social class.

Three articles from the Declaration stand out significantly. The first is Article 1, which states, "Men are born and remain free and equal in rights." To a peasant, this implied a fundamental shift from a system where privileges and wealth dictated social status, to one where every man had equal rights regardless of birth. It offered hope for a future where the hereditary privileges enjoyed by the aristocrats, such as exemptions from taxes and access to high office, might be eradicated, granting peasants greater dignity and rights.

The second compelling article is Article 6, which declares, "The law is the expression of the general will." This emphasized the importance of a legal system rooted in collective sovereignty rather than aristocratic or clerical decree. For peasants, who were often subjected to arbitrary justice and taxation from feudal lords, this article symbolized the aspiration for a fair, secular, and representative legal system. It promised that laws should serve the common people’s interests, not merely protect aristocratic privileges.

The third is Article 17, asserting, "Property is an inviolable and sacred right." In a society where landownership was concentrated among the aristocracy and feudal lords, many peasants worked on land they did not own, subjected to high rents and exploitation. This article promised that property rights would be protected, thus giving peasants hope for security and autonomy over their land and livelihood.

From the standpoint of a peasant, these articles represented a radical departure from the oppressive feudal system. Yet, the living realities were starkly different. Aristocrats lived in opulence, with expansive estates, luxurious lifestyles, and exemption from many taxes. The bourgeoisie, or middle class, was growing increasingly influential, often aspiring to aristocratic privileges through wealth and commerce, yet still lacking the social standing of the old aristocracy. Peasants, meanwhile, endured subsistence living, heavy taxes, and feudal burdens, with their expectations rooted in justice and economic security.

In comparison, aristocrats viewed the revolution’s promises with suspicion, concerned about losing their privileges and wealth. The bourgeoisie saw potential for economic opportunity and increased influence. Peasants, on the other hand, hoped that the ideals expressed in the Declaration would translate into tangible improvements—less exploitation, equitable taxation, and ownership of land.

In conclusion, the three articles selected encapsulate the revolutionary ideals that challenged the entrenched social order. For peasants like myself, they symbolized hope for equality, justice, and security. While the reality of revolutionary change was complex, these principles laid the groundwork for redefining individual rights and social justice in France.

References

1. The Oxford History of the French Revolution. Oxford University Press.
2. The French Revolution 1787-1799. Vintage Books.
3. The New Cultural History of the French Revolution. University of California Press.
4. Liberty or Death: The French Revolution. Hill and Wang.
5. The French Revolution: From Enlightenment to Tyranny. Palgrave Macmillan.
6. The Origins of the French Revolution. Palgrave Macmillan.
7. A Critical Dictionary of the French Revolution. Harvard University Press.
8. The Eighteenth Century: Toward a New History. University of Chicago Press.
9. The Coming of the French Revolution. Princeton University Press.
10. Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution. Vintage Books.