Author Bio: "Grievances" was a document drawn up by representatives from the Third Estate in Carcassonne, in Southern France. The exact individuals who organized the petition remain unknown, but the writer(s) most likely originated from the bourgeoisie and speak on behalf of all the people of the Third Estate in this region, addressing their wants and concerns regarding how France should be governed.
Context/Background: This text was most likely published in 1789, around the time of the Fall of the Bastille. The poor harvest of 1788 had pushed many farming peasants to the brink of desperation, and food riots in the countryside and cities broke out over exceedingly high prices of food and the inaction of the regrouping government. Representatives from the Third Estate, especially from among the bourgeoisie, were elected in preparation of the organization of the Estates-General, and among their initial work included the writing of numerous cahier de doleances, or lists of grievances against the government on behalf of the peasants and other members of the Third Estate. This text is an example of such a cahier de doleance, expressing the problems that the people of Carcassonne suffer and demanding change from the government.
Summary: With a tone of respect despite the forwardness of the demands, "The Grievances of Carcassonne" addresses many issues that the Third Estate views as critical for the future of France, including matters of religion, equality, and civil liberties. In the first point, the representatives request that the king ban all public worship that is not Roman Catholicism for the good of France, and to allow Protestants to hold public office and positions of administration but to restrict them from careers involving the judiciary, police force, or "public instruction," which were jobs more suited for French Catholics. The people call for greater equality and representation in government for all, including during taxes and laws being passed only through consent of the people and which would apply to all citizens, as well as regular meetings of the Estates General at which the Third Estate would be equally represented. Civil liberties are also requested for protection, including equal opportunities for jobs without preference to nobles, banning of arbitrary imprisonment, and freedom of the press, at least with regulations from "religion, morality, and public decency." The authors repeatedly implore King Louis XVI to understand that they bring these criticisms humbly and with only with the utmost regard for his reign, and that they desire for cooperation with the esteemed monarch to restore France to its former glory for the good of all Frenchmen.
Important Quote: "The third estate of the electoral district of Carcassonne very humbly petitions his Majesty to take into consideration these several matters, weigh them in his wisdom, and permit his people to enjoy, as soon as may be, fresh proofs of that benevolence which he has never ceased to exhibit towards them and which is dictated by his affection for them."
Great job Cayla! You were very thorough and hit all the important points- especially about how the Third Estate is demanding these rights, but that they are doing so with deference and respect towards the king. The key quote completely exemplifies this attitude! Also, I liked that you incorporated key terms, such as "cahier de doleances", and their significance.
ReplyDeleteNothing really to criticize, as the CASK was short, sweet, and too the point with all the important details. Another quote to consider: "...the happiness of the nation must, in their opinion, depend upon that of its king, upon the stability of the monarchy, and upon the preservation of the orders which compose it and of the fundamental laws which govern it..."