March on Versailles (October March)

Definition

The March on Versailles, also known as the October March, was a pivotal event during the French Revolution where a large group of women, motivated by food shortages and economic distress, marched from Paris to the royal palace at Versailles on October 5-6, 1789. This dramatic protest reflected the growing unrest among the populace and underscored the deepening crisis facing King Louis XVI and the monarchy, ultimately leading to significant changes in government and societal structures in France.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The March on Versailles was sparked by rising bread prices and severe food shortages that affected ordinary citizens, especially women who were primarily responsible for feeding their families.
2. Approximately 7,000 women, along with some men, participated in this march, showcasing the role of women in the revolutionary movement and their determination to confront the monarchy directly.
3. The march concluded with the royal family being forced to leave Versailles and relocate to Paris, symbolizing a significant shift of power from the monarchy to the revolutionaries.
4. During the march, protesters shouted slogans demanding 'Bread' and expressed their outrage against both King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, viewing them as out of touch with the struggles of common people.
5. The event marked a turning point in the French Revolution, as it highlighted popular discontent with royal authority and underscored the necessity for change within the existing political system.

Review Questions

• How did the economic conditions leading up to the March on Versailles influence women's participation in revolutionary activities?
  • The dire economic conditions in France, especially food shortages and skyrocketing bread prices, played a crucial role in mobilizing women to participate in revolutionary activities. Many women were frustrated by their inability to provide for their families due to these economic hardships. Their collective anger transformed into action during the March on Versailles, reflecting how essential issues like hunger can drive social movements and challenge established power structures.
• Evaluate the impact of the March on Versailles on the relationship between the French monarchy and its subjects.
  • The March on Versailles significantly altered the relationship between King Louis XVI and his subjects by showcasing the power of popular protest. It effectively forced Louis XVI and his family from their opulent palace back to Paris, signaling that they were no longer insulated from public opinion or unrest. This shift not only undermined royal authority but also demonstrated that ordinary citizens could challenge and influence government actions through collective action.
• Analyze how the March on Versailles contributed to the broader revolutionary changes in France during this period.
  • The March on Versailles acted as a catalyst for broader revolutionary changes in France by amplifying popular discontent with both the monarchy and socioeconomic inequalities. It highlighted the urgent demands for food security and represented a critical moment when ordinary people directly challenged royal power. This event ultimately reinforced the power of revolutionary ideals such as liberty and equality, contributing to subsequent reforms like the National Assembly's Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen and pushing France further toward a republic.

Related terms

Bread Riots: Spontaneous uprisings in various French cities in 1789 where people protested against rising bread prices and food shortages.

National Assembly: The revolutionary assembly formed by the representatives of the Third Estate in June 1789, marking the beginning of a new political order in France.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen: A fundamental document of the French Revolution that outlined individual and collective rights and the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.