Emma Ockerman writes (via Time): “Back in July of 1789, France had already experienced a rough summer that included food shortages, high taxes, and the militarization of Paris. Sensing distress, [King Louis XVI] called upon the Estates-General—an assembly that hadn’t met in more than a century—to deliver a new tax plan. That resulted in the Third Estate, the non-noble/non-clergy portion of the assembly, breaking from the clergy and nobility, and demanding a written constitution from France.” The leaders of the Third Estate then formed a new “National Assembly” in late June, and on July 14 their followers stormed the Hôtel des Invalides, the Bastille, and other strategic locations in Paris to loot firearms and ammunition. In the words of Ms Ockerman: “That hunt for gunpowder—not the hope of freeing prisoners—was the main reason for the storming of the Bastille.”
Happy Bastille Day
With respect to the protests in the U.S… should we prefer that they be disorganized (i.e. people seeking to satisfy their own individual agenda) or organized (people having decided that x is the answer that must be manifested.) One is the danger of chaos, the other the danger of upheaval. How are the dissatisfied to choose?
I definitely see a parallel between the French Revolution and the Black Lives Matter and other assorted reform movements (e.g. Tea Party, Occupy, etc.).
If only “Black Lives Matter” could make the same difference as the F. Revolution – minus upheaval and guillotinings.
True … There’s that famous saying about the revolution devouring her own children…
Sorry, just being provocative so as to stimulate thought.
That exactly what a blog should be about!
Enrique, I do appreciate and enjoy your intelligent, eclectic and thought-provoking blog, if you haven’t already noticed.
Thank you for your kind words. You are my #2 fan–my wife is my #1!