[1] The Old Régime and the Revolution, by Alexis de Tocqueville, Introduction, p. xi.
[2] Ib., p. 253.
[3] Lamartine, History of the Girondists, i., 10
[4] Thiers, French Revolution, Introduction.
CONTENTS.
| [CHAPTER I.] | ||
| ORIGIN OF THE FRENCH MONARCHY. | ||
| Extent of France.—Character of its early Inhabitants.—Conquest of Gaul.—Barbarian Invasion.—TheFranks.—Pharamond.—Clovis.—Introduction of Christianity.—Clotilda.—MerovingianDynasty.—Fields of March.—Anecdote of Clovis.—The Parisii.—Strife with the Nobles.—MoorishInvasion.—Charles Martel.—Pepin.—Fields of May.—Charlemagne.—His Policy.—FeudalSystem.—The Church.—Rolls.—Louis V.—Hugh Capet.—Parliament establishedby Philip the Fair | Page [17] | |
| [CHAPTER II.] | ||
| THE HOUSES OF VALOIS AND BOURBON. | ||
| The House of Valois.—Luxury of the Court and the Nobles.—Insurrection.—Jaques Bonhomme.—HenryIII.—Henry IV., of Navarre.—Cardinal Richelieu.—French Academy.—Regencyof Anne of Austria.—Palaces of France.—The Noble and the Ennobled.—Persecution of theProtestants.—Edict of Nantes.—Its Revocation.—Distress of the Protestants.—Death of LouisXIV. | [25] | |
| [CHAPTER III.] | ||
| THE REGENCY AND LOUIS XV. | ||
| State of France.—The Regency.—Financial Embarrassment.—Crimes of the Rulers.—Recoiningthe Currency.—Renewed Persecution of the Protestants.—Bishop Dubois.—Philosophyof Voltaire.—Anecdote of Franklin.—The King's Favorites.—Mademoiselle Poisson.—HerAscendency.—Parc aux Cerfs.—Illustrative Anecdote.—Letter to the King.—Testimony ofChesterfield.—Anecdote of La Fayette.—Death of Pompadour.—Mademoiselle Lange.—Powerof Du Barry.—Death of Louis XV. | [34] | |
| [CHAPTER IV.] | ||
| DESPOTISM AND ITS FRUITS. | ||
| Assumptions of the Aristocracy.—Molière.—Decay of the Nobility.—Decline of the Feudal System.—Differencebetween France and the United States.—Mortification of Men of Letters.—Voltaire,Montesquieu, Rousseau.—Corruption of the Church.—Diderot.—The Encyclopedists.—Testimonyof De Tocqueville.—Frederic II. of Prussia.—Two Classes of Opponents ofChristianity.—Enormity of Taxation.—Misery of the People.—"Good old Times of the Monarchy!" | [45] | |
| [CHAPTER V.] | ||
| THE BASTILLE. | ||
| Absolute Power of the King.—Lettres de Cachet.—The Bastille.—Cardinal Balue.—Harancourt.—Charlesof Armanac.—Constant de Renville.—Duke of Nemours.—Dungeons of the Bastille.—Oubliettes.—Dessault.—M.Massat.—M. Catalan.—Latude.—The Student.—Apostropheof Michelet | [53] | |
| [CHAPTER VI.] | ||
| THE COURT AND THE PARLIAMENT. | ||
| Death of Louis XV.—Education of Louis XVI.—Maurepas, Prime Minister.—Turgot; hisExpulsion from Office.—Necker.—Franklin.—Sympathy with the Americans.—La Fayette.—Viewsof the Court.—Treaty with America.—Popularity of Voltaire.—Embarrassment ofNecker.—Compte Rendu au Roi.—Necker driven into Exile.—Enslavement of France.—NewExtravagance.—Calonne | [57] | |
| [CHAPTER VII.] | ||
| THE ASSEMBLY OF THE NOTABLES. | ||
| Measures of Brienne.—The Bed of Justice.—Remonstrance of Parliament.—Parliament Exiled.—Submissionof Parliament.—Duke of Orleans.—Treasonable Plans of the Duke of Orleans.—Anxietyof the Queen.—The Diamond Necklace.—Monsieur, the King's Brother.—Bagatelle.—Desperationof Brienne.—Edict for abolishing the Parliaments.—Energy of the Court.—Arrestof D'Espréménil and Goislard.—Tumults in Grenoble.—Terrific Hail-storm | [67] | |
| [CHAPTER VIII.] | ||
| THE APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE. | ||
| Recall of Necker.—Reassembling the Notables.—Pamphlet of the Abbé Sièyes.—Vote of theKing's Brother.—His supposed Motive.—The Basis of Representation.—Arrangements forthe Meeting of the States.—Statement of Grievances.—Mirabeau; his Menace.—Sympathyof the Curates with the People.—Remonstrance of the Nobles.—First Riot.—Meeting of theStates-General.—New Effort of the privileged Classes | [77] | |
| [CHAPTER IX.] | ||
| ASSEMBLING OF THE STATES-GENERAL. | ||
| Opening of the States-General.—Sermon of the Bishop of Nancy.—Insult to the Deputies of thePeople.—Aspect of Mirabeau.—Boldness of the Third Estate.—Journal of Mirabeau.—Commencementof the Conflict.—First Appearance of Robespierre.—Decided Stand taken by theCommons.—Views of the Curates.—Dismay of the Nobles.—Excitement in Paris.—The NationalAssembly.—The Oath | [85] | |
| [CHAPTER X.] | ||
| THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY. | ||
| First Acts of the Assembly.—Confusion of the Court.—Hall of the Assembly closed.—Adjournmentto the Tennis-court.—Cabinet Councils.—Despotic Measures.—The Tennis-court closed.—Exultationof the Court.—Union with the Clergy.—Peril of the Assembly.—The Royal Sitting.—Speechof the King | [92] | |
| [CHAPTER XI.] | ||
| REVOLUTIONARY MEASURES. | ||
| Speech of Mirabeau.—Approach of the Soldiers and Peril of the Assembly.—Elation of theQueen.—Triumph of Necker.—Embarrassment of the Bishops and the Nobles.—Letter of theKing.—The Bishops and Nobles join the Assembly.—Desperate Resolve of the Nobles.—TheTroops sympathizing with the People | [99] | |
| [CHAPTER XII.] | ||
| THE TUMULT IN PARIS. | ||
| Marshal Broglie.—Gatherings at the Palais Royal.—Disaffection of the Soldiers.—Imprisonmentand Rescue.—Fraternization.—Petition to the Assembly.—Wishes of the Patriots.—Movementof the Troops.—Speech of Mirabeau.—New Menaces.—Declaration of Rights.—Dismissalof Necker.—Commotion in Paris.—Camille Desmoulins.—The French Guards join thePeople.—Terror in Paris.—Character of the King | [103] | |
| [CHAPTER XIII.] | ||
| STORMING THE BASTILLE. | ||
| The Assembly petitions the King.—Resolves of the Assembly.—Narrative of M. Dumont.—Scenesin Paris.—The People organize for Self-defense.—The new Cockade.—The Abbé Lefebvred'Ormesson.—Treachery of the Mayor, Flesselles.—Character of De Launey, Governorof the Bastille.—Sacking the Invalides.—The Bastille Assailed.—Assassination of De Launeyand of Flesselles | [112] | |
| [CHAPTER XIV.] | ||
| THE KING RECOGNIZES THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY. | ||
| Rout of the Cavalry of Lambesc.—Tidings of the Capture of the Bastille reach Versailles.—Consternationof the Court.—Midnight Interview between the Duke of Liancourt and theKing.—New Delegation from the Assembly.—The King visits the Assembly.—The King escortedback to his Palace.—Fickleness of the Monarch.—Deputation sent to the Hôtel de Ville.—Addressof La Fayette.—La Fayette appointed Commander of the National Guard | [122] | |
| [CHAPTER XV.] | ||
| THE KING VISITS PARIS. | ||
| Views of the Patriots.—Pardon of the French Guards.—Religious Ceremonies.—Recall ofNecker.—The King visits Paris.—Action of the Clergy.—The King at the Hôtel de Ville.—Returnof the King to Versailles.—Count d'Artois, the Polignacs, and others leave France.—Insolenceof the Servants.—Sufferings of the People.—Persecution of the Corn-dealers.—Berthierof Toulon.—M. Foulon.—Their Assassination.—Humane Attempts of Necker.—Abolitionof Feudal Rights | [127] | |
| [CHAPTER XVI.] | ||
| FORMING THE CONSTITUTION. | ||
| Arming of the Peasants.—Destruction of Feudal Charters.—Sermon of the Abbé Fauchet.—ThreeClasses in the Assembly.—Declaration of Rights.—The Three Assemblies.—The Powerof the Press.—Efforts of William Pitt to sustain the Nobles.—Questions on the Constitution.—TwoChambers in one?—The Veto.—Famine in the City.—The King's Plate melted.—TheTax of a Quarter of each one's Income.—Statement of Jefferson | [141] | |
| [CHAPTER XVII.] | ||
| THE ROYAL FAMILY CARRIED TO PARIS. | ||
| Waning Popularity of La Fayette.—The King contemplates Flight.—Letter of Admiral d'Estaing.—TheFlanders Regiment called to Versailles.—Fête in the Ball-room at Versailles.—Insurrectionof the Women; their March to Versailles.—Horrors of the Night of October 5th.—TheRoyal Family conveyed to Paris | [155] | |
| C[HAPTER XVIII.] | ||
| FRANCE REGENERATED. | ||
| Kind Feelings of the People.—Emigration receives a new Impulse.—The National Assemblytransferred to Paris.—The Constituent Assembly.—Assassination of François.—Anxiety ofthe Patriots.—Gloomy Winter.—Contrast between the Bishops and the laboring Clergy.—ChurchFunds seized by the Assembly.—The Church responsible for the Degradation of thePeople.—New Division of France.—The Right of Suffrage.—The Guillotine.—Rabaud deSt. Etienne | [165] | |
| [CHAPTER XIX.] | ||
| THE KING ACCEPTS THE CONSTITUTION. | ||
| The King visits the Assembly.—His Speech.—The Priests rouse the Populace.—The King'sSalary.—Petition of Talma.—Views of Napoleon.—Condemnation and Execution of the Marquisof Favrus.—Spirit of the New Constitution.—National Jubilee.—The Queen sympathizeswith the Popular Movement.—Writings of Edmund Burke | [175] | |
| [CHAPTER XX.] | ||
| FLIGHT OF THE KING. | ||
| Riot at Nancy.—Prosecution of Mirabeau.—Issue of Assignats.—Mirabeau's Interview with theQueen.—Four political Parties.—Bishops refuse to take the Oath to the Constitution.—Characterof the Emigrants.—The King's Aunts attempt to leave France.—Debates upon Emigration.—Embarrassmentof the Assembly.—Death of Mirabeau.—His Funeral.—The King preventedfrom visiting St. Cloud.—Duplicity of the King.—Conference of the Allies.—TheirPlan of Invasion.—Measures for the Escape of the King.—The Flight | [188] | |
| [CHAPTER XXI.] | ||
| ARREST OF THE ROYAL FUGITIVES. | ||
| Arrival at Varennes.—The Party arrested.—Personal Appearance of the King.—The Guardsfraternize with the People.—Indignation of the Crowd.—The Captives compelled to return toParis.—Dismay of M. de Bouillé.—Excitement in Paris.—The Mob ransack the Tuileries.—Actsof the Assembly.—Decisive Action of La Fayette.—Proclamation of the King.—The JacobinClub.—Unanimity of France | [200] | |
| [CHAPTER XXII.] | ||
| RETURN OF THE ROYAL FAMILY FROM VARENNES. | ||
| Proclamation of Marat.—Three Commissioners sent to meet the King.—Address to the Nationfrom the Assembly.—The slow and painful Return.—Conversation between Barnave and theQueen.—Brutality of Pétion.—Sufferings of the Royal Family.—Reception of the King inParis.—Conduct of the Queen.—Noble Avowal of La Fayette.—Statement of the King.—Menaceof Bouillé | [214] | |
| [CHAPTER XXIII.] | ||
| COMMOTION IN PARIS. | ||
| The Remains of Voltaire removed to the Pantheon.—Decision of the Assembly on the Flightof the King.—Thomas Paine.—Views of the Constitutional Monarchists.—Message from LaFayette to the King of Austria.—The Jacobins summon the Populace to the Field of Mars.—Mandateof the Jacobins.—The Crowd on the Field of Mars dispersed by the Military.—Completionof the Constitution.—Remarkable Conversation of Napoleon.—The King formallyaccepts the Constitution.—Great, but transient, Popularity of the Royal Family | [222] | |
| [CHAPTER XXIV.] | ||
| THE APPROACH OF WAR. | ||
| Sentiments of the King and Queen upon the Constitution.—The Legislative Assembly.—Its democraticSpirit.—The King's Speech.—Painful Scene.—The Queen plans Escape.—Riot in theTheatre.—Infatuation of the Aristocrats.—Insult to the Duke of Orleans.—Embarrassmentof the Allies.—Replies to the King from the European Powers.—The Emigrants at Coblentz.—TheKing's Veto.—Letters of the King to his Brothers.—Their Replies.—Cruel Edicts.—Pétionchosen Mayor.—The King visits the Assembly.—Rise of the Republican Party | [236] | |
| [CHAPTER XXV.] | ||
| AGITATION IN PARIS, AND COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES. | ||
| Death of Leopold.—Assassination of Gustavus.—Interview between Dumouriez and the Queen.—Discussionin the Assembly.—The Duke of Brunswick.—Interview of Barnave with theQueen.—Interview between Dumouriez and the King.—Dismissal of M. Roland.—The Palaceinvaded.—Fortitude of the King.—Pétion, the Mayor.—Affecting Interview of the Royal Family.—Remarksof Napoleon | [246] | |
| [CHAPTER XXVI.] | ||
| THE THRONE ASSAILED. | ||
| Angry Interview between the King and the Mayor.—Decisive Action of La Fayette.—Expectationsof the Queen.—Movement of the Prussian Army.—Efforts of the Priests.—Secret Committeeof Royalists.—Terror in the Palace.—The Queen's View of the King's Character.—Partiesin France.—Energetic Action of the Assembly.—Speech of Vergniaud | [262] | |
| [CHAPTER XXVII.] | ||
| THE THRONE DEMOLISHED. | ||
| The Country proclaimed in Danger.—Plan of La Fayette for the Safety of the Royal Family.—Measuresof the Court.—Celebration of the Demolition of the Bastille.—Movement of the AlliedArmy.—Conflicting Plans of the People.—Letter of the Girondists to the King.—Manifesto ofthe Duke of Brunswick.—Unpopularity of La Fayette.—The Attack upon the Tuileries, Aug.10th.—The Royal Family take Refuge in the Assembly | [271] | |
| [CHAPTER XXVIII.] | ||
| THE ROYAL FAMILY IMPRISONED. | ||
| Tumult and Dismay in the Assembly.—Storming the Tuileries.—Aspect of the Royal Family.—TheDecree of Suspension.—Night in the Cloister.—The second Day in the Assembly.—TheRoyal Family Prisoners.—Third Day in the Assembly.—The Temple.—The Royal Familytransferred to the Temple | [286] | |
| [CHAPTER XXIX.] | ||
| THE MASSACRE OF THE ROYALISTS. | ||
| Supremacy of the Jacobins.—Their energetic Measures.—The Assembly threatened.—Commissionerssent to the Army.—Spirit of the Court Party in England.—Speech of Edmund Burke.—Triumphant March of the Allies.—The Nation summoned en masse to resist the Foe.—Murderof the Princess Lamballe.—Apology of the Assassins.—Robespierre and St. Just.—Viewsof Napoleon | [295] | |
| [CHAPTER XXX.] | ||
| THE KING LED TO TRIAL. | ||
| Assassination of Royalists at Versailles.—Jacobin Ascendancy.—The National Convention.—TwoParties, the Girondists and the Jacobins.—Abolition of Royalty.—Madame Roland.—Battleof Jemappes.—Mode of Life in the Temple.—Insults to the Royal Family.—New Actsof Rigor.—Trial of the King.—Separation of the Royal Family.—The Indictment.—The Kingbegs for Bread | [308] | |
| [CHAPTER XXXI.] | ||
| EXECUTION OF LOUIS XVI. | ||
| Close of the Examination.—The King's Counsel.—Heroism of Malesherbes.—Preparations forDefense.—Gratitude of the King.—The Trial.—Protracted Vote.—The Result.—The Kingsolicits the Delay of Execution for three Days.—Last Interview with his Family.—Preparationfor Death.—The Execution | [318] | |
| [CHAPTER XXXII.] | ||
| THE REIGN OF TERROR. | ||
| Charges against the Girondists.—Danton.—The French Embassador ordered to leave England.—Wardeclared against England.—Navy of England.—Internal War.—Plot to assassinatethe Girondists.—Bold Words of Vergniaud.—Insurrection in La Vendée.—Conflict betweenDumouriez and the Assembly.—Flight of Dumouriez.—The Mob aroused and the Girondistsarrested.—Charlotte Corday.—France rises en masse to repel the Allies.—The treasonableSurrender of Toulon | [331] | |
| [CHAPTER XXXIII.] | ||
| EXECUTION OF MARIE ANTOINETTE AND MADAME ELIZABETH. | ||
| Marie Antoinette in the Temple.—Conspiracies for the Rescue of the Royal Family.—The youngDauphin torn from his Mother.—Phrensy of the Queen.—She is removed to the Conciergerie.—Indignitiesand Woes.—The Queen led to Trial.—Letter to her Sister.—The Execution ofthe Queen.—Madame Elizabeth led to Trial and Execution.—Fate of the Princess and theDauphin | [345] | |
| [CHAPTER XXXIV.] | ||
| THE JACOBINS TRIUMPHANT. | ||
| Views of the Girondists.—Anecdote of Vergniaud.—The Girondists brought to Trial.—Suicideof Valazé.—Anguish of Desmoulins.—Fonfrede and Ducos.—Last Supper of the Girondists.—TheirExecution.—The Duke of Orleans; his Execution.—Activity of the Guillotine.—HumaneLegislation.—Testimony of Desodoards.—Anacharsis Cloots.—The New Era | [353] | |
| [CHAPTER XXXV.] | ||
| FALL OF THE HEBERTISTS AND OF THE DANTONISTS. | ||
| Continued Persecution of the Girondists.—Robespierre opposes the Atheists.—Danton, Souberbielle,and Camille Desmoulins.—The Vieux Cordelier.—The Hebertists executed.—Dantonassailed.—Interview between Danton and Robespierre.—Danton warned of his Peril.—CamilleDesmoulins and others arrested.—Lucile, the Wife of Desmoulins.—Letters.—Executionof the Dantonists.—Arrest and Execution of Lucile.—Toulon recovered by Bonaparte | [361] | |
| [CHAPTER XXXVI.] | ||
| FALL OF ROBESPIERRE. | ||
| Inexplicable Character of Robespierre.—Cécile Regnault.—Fête in honor of the Supreme Being.—Increaseof Victims.—The Triumvirate.—Suspicions of Robespierre.—Struggle betweenRobespierre and the Committee of Public Safety.—Conspiracy against Robespierre.—Sessionof the 27th of July.—Robespierre and his Friends arrested.—Efforts to save Robespierre.—Perilof the Convention.—Execution of Robespierre and his Confederates | [375] | |
| [CHAPTER XXXVII.] | ||
| THE THERMIDORIANS AND THE JACOBINS. | ||
| The Reign of Committees.—The Jeunesse Dorée.—The Reaction.—Motion against FouquierTinville.—Apotheosis of Rousseau.—Battle of Fleurus.—Brutal Order of the Committee ofPublic Welfare.—Composition of the two Parties.—Speech of Billaud Varennes.—Speech ofLégendre.—The Club-house of the Jacobins closed.—Victories of Pichegru.—Alliance betweenHolland and France.—Advance of Kleber.—Peace with Prussia.—Quiberon.—Riot inLyons | [389] | |
| [CHAPTER XXXVIII.] | ||
| DISSOLUTION OF THE CONVENTION. | ||
| Famine in Paris.—Strife between the Jeunesse Dorée and the Jacobins.—Riots.—Scene in theConvention.—War with the Allies.—A new Constitution.—Insurrection of the Sections.—Energyof General Bonaparte.—Discomfiture of the Sections.—Narrative of the Duchess ofAbrantes.—Clemency of the Convention.—Its final Acts and Dissolution, and Establishmentof the Directory | [398] | |
| [CHAPTER XXXIX.] | ||
| THE DIRECTORY. | ||
| Constitution of the Directory.—Distracted State of Public Affairs.—New Expedition to La Vendée.—Deathof the Dauphin.—Release of the Princess.—Pacification of La Vendée.—Riotsin London.—Execution of Charette.—Napoleon takes command of the Army of Italy.—Thefirst Proclamation.—Triumphs in Italy.—Letter of General Hoche.—Peace with Spain.—Establishmentof the Cispadane Republic.—Negotiations with England.—Contemplated Invasionof Ireland.—Memorials of Wolfe Tone.—Deplorable State of Public Affairs.—Description ofNapoleon.—Composition of the Directory | [411] | |
| [CHAPTER XL.] | ||
| THE OVERTHROW OF THE DIRECTORY AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CONSULATE. | ||
| Proclamation of Napoleon.—March into Austria.—Letter to the Archduke Charles.—Preliminariesof Peace.—Union of Parties against the Directory.—Triumph of the Directory.—Agencyof Napoleon.—Severe Measures of the Directory.—Indignation of Napoleon.—Dictatorship ofthe Directory.—Dismay of the Royalists.—Treaty of Campo Formio.—Napoleon's Address tothe Cispadane Republic.—Remarks of Napoleon.—Plan for the Invasion of India.—Expeditionto Egypt.—New Coalition.—Rastadt | [421] | |
THE FRENCH REVOLUTION.
ORIGIN OF THE FRENCH MONARCHY.