AP European History: The Great Fear and the End of Feudalism Study Guide

📚 What Was the Great Fear?

The Great Fear (French: Grande Peur) was a period of panic and riot by peasants and others in the French countryside at the start of the French Revolution. From July 17 to August 3, 1789, rumors of an aristocratic conspiracy by the king and the privileged to overthrow the Third Estate led to widespread revolt.

📜 History and Background

• 📅 Pre-Revolutionary France: France was a feudal society with deep inequalities. The Third Estate, comprising the majority of the population, bore the brunt of taxation and feudal dues.
• 🥖 Economic Hardship: Years of poor harvests led to widespread famine and economic distress, increasing social tensions.
• 🔥 Storming of the Bastille: The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, signaled the beginning of the French Revolution and ignited revolutionary fervor across the country.

🔑 Key Principles and Events

• 📢 Rumors and Conspiracy: False rumors spread rapidly, claiming that aristocrats were hiring brigands to suppress the peasantry and maintain their feudal privileges.
• 🏘️ Peasant Uprisings: Peasants armed themselves and formed militias to defend against the perceived aristocratic threat. They attacked manor houses, destroying feudal records and symbols of authority.
• 📜 Abolition of Feudalism: In response to the widespread unrest, the National Assembly abolished feudalism on August 4, 1789, marking a significant turning point in the revolution.
• ⚖️ Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen: Inspired by Enlightenment ideals, this document proclaimed equality before the law, individual liberties, and popular sovereignty.

🌍 Real-World Examples

• 🏰 Destruction of Manor Houses: Peasants targeted manor houses, symbols of feudal power, burning records of feudal dues and obligations.
• 🌾 Seizure of Land: In some regions, peasants seized land from the nobility, redistributing it among themselves.
• 🤝 Formation of Village Committees: Local committees were formed to organize defense and administer justice, reflecting a shift in power from the aristocracy to the peasantry.

🎯 Significance and Conclusion

The Great Fear was a pivotal moment in the French Revolution, demonstrating the power of popular revolt and the fragility of the feudal system. It led to the abolition of feudalism and paved the way for a more egalitarian society. The events of the Great Fear highlight the importance of addressing social and economic inequalities to prevent widespread unrest. The impact of the Great Fear can still be seen in modern discussions about social justice and equality.