Learn Liberty | French Revolution: Debunking 3 More Myths @LearnLiberty | Uploaded March 2023 | Updated October 2024, 56 minutes ago.
Myth 1: Reformers wanted to end the monarchy.
Most people agreed France needed to reform absolutism but “Death to the monarchy” and “Long live the monarchy” were NOT the only two options. Many political factions wanted a CONSTITUTIONAL monarchy. And that’s how it worked out when the National Assembly created its constitution in 1791.
Myth 2: The Bastille was stormed to free political prisoners.
It was only housing seven prisoners, none of whom had rebelled against the crown in any notable way.
However, the structure had long been a symbol of the monarchy, and the storming of it demonstrated the seriousness of the revolutionaries' demands.
Myth 3: The French Revolution was the first great revolution against absolutism.
The first great revolution against absolutism was actually the Glorious Revolution in the 17th century in Great Britain. The French Revolution just gained more fame because of how far and wide Napoleon was able to extend his power immediately afterward.
Myth 1: Reformers wanted to end the monarchy.
Most people agreed France needed to reform absolutism but “Death to the monarchy” and “Long live the monarchy” were NOT the only two options. Many political factions wanted a CONSTITUTIONAL monarchy. And that’s how it worked out when the National Assembly created its constitution in 1791.
Myth 2: The Bastille was stormed to free political prisoners.
It was only housing seven prisoners, none of whom had rebelled against the crown in any notable way.
However, the structure had long been a symbol of the monarchy, and the storming of it demonstrated the seriousness of the revolutionaries' demands.
Myth 3: The French Revolution was the first great revolution against absolutism.
The first great revolution against absolutism was actually the Glorious Revolution in the 17th century in Great Britain. The French Revolution just gained more fame because of how far and wide Napoleon was able to extend his power immediately afterward.
