The French Revolution and Rights, 1791-1794 by Cari Campbell https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9 Which quote best reveals themes from this lesson on the French Revolution from 1791-1794? en-us 2023-08-23 22:24:56 UTC 2023-09-25 02:42:19 UTC hello@padlet.com the French Revolution & Rights alissahushagen https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2675369952 I found that the most important quote was from Document 28, on page 130 of my book. It occurs on February 4, 1794 during the abolition of slavery. Lacroix says: "In writing the constitution of the French people, we did not consider the unfortunate men of color. Posterity will blame us greatly for this; but we must repair this wrong. [...] It is time that we rise to the height of the principles of liberty and equality."

This is important because they are admitting to the wrong of maintaining slavery and also for not giving men of color equal rights to white men. Additionally, it expands "the principles of liberty and equality" to all men. The definition is no longer limited to white French men, but encompasses all men. ]]> 2023-08-28 16:19:12 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2675369952 French and Revolution https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2675387937 The quote that stood out to me was from August 29, 1793 and in Document 25 on page 110 when Sonthonax says "The French Republic wants all men to be free and equal with no color distinctions. Kings can only be content when they are surrounded by slaves".

I believe that this quote is important, because it is Sonthonax comparing the existence of every person under a king to being that of a slave at the kings behest. The revolution is fighting for the rights of all men, regardless of the color of their skin, because under a king it doesn't matter what you skin color is, everyone is a slave to what the king orders. This is an important insight because it essentially is saying that freedom and equality cannot exist under a king, which the entire point of the revolution is to have freedom and equality. As long as there is a king, there is no equality and freedom. ]]> 2023-08-28 16:35:22 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2675387937 French and Revolution paytonchristopherso https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2675658881 The quote that stood out to me was when Sonthonax says "The French Republic wants all men to be free and equal with no color distinctions. Kings can only be content when they are surrounded by slaves". (Léger Félicité Sonthonax, Aug29, 1793, pg. 111).

I believe that this quote is important, because it is Sonthonax comparing the existence of every person under a king to being that of a slave at the kings behest. The revolution is fighting for the rights of all men, regardless of the color of their skin, because under a king it doesn't matter what you skin color is, everyone is a slave to what the king orders. This is an important insight because it essentially is saying that freedom and equality cannot exist under a king, which the entire point of the revolution is to have freedom and equality. As long as there is a king, there is no equality and freedom.]]> 2023-08-28 20:35:15 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2675658881 julieareiten https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2676047458 The quote that stood out to me was from the Decree of General Liberty  by Sonthonax - "Kings can only be content when they are surrounded by slaves; they are the ones who sold you to the whites on the African coast; they are the tyrants in Europe who want this vile trade to continue."  (Léger Félicité Sonthonax, Decree of General Liberty, August 29, 1793. Document 25, page 112.)

I think this highlights the connection of multiple power structures in preserving the system of slavery. When those in power have a large population of enslaved people at their disposal, they can preserve their hold on power. It depicts both African kings who took part in the selling of their own people and European monarchs who benefitted from the trade as tyrants who encourage and profit from the transatlantic slave trade. The quote is a criticism of those in power who participate in the slave trade.
]]> 2023-08-29 03:10:13 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2676047458 The French Revolution and Rights, 1791-1794 ryangilzean https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2677095612 "The French Republic wants all men to be free and equal with no color distinctions. Kings can only be content when they are surrounded by slaves; they are the ones who sold you to the whites on the African coast; they are the tyrants in Europe who want this vile trade to continue" (Léger Félicité Sonthonax, Decree of General Liberty, August 29, 1793. Document 25, page 112.)

This quote stands out to me since this provides the reader with an idea of the rapidly evolving political mindset of the leaders of the French Revolution. While this decree was most likely given in order to recruit rebel slave bands in order to combat the governor Galbaud/British/Spanish/and other slave rebels due to the lack of manpower on Sonthonax's part; it is without doubt that this decree heavily influenced the French Republic's 1794 abolition of slavery. I found that the forced teaming, given under the usage of anti-monarchical language as a plight to both Europeans and Africans, wonderfully highlights some of the political intrigues of prominent figures of the Saint Domingue rebellion and the broader French Revolution. ]]> 2023-08-29 18:16:46 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2677095612 The french revolution quinmccarroll https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2678955735 The quote that most stood out to me was in Document 25 when Sonthonax is outlining the conditions of free men and it was stated that "On the fifteenth day after the publication of this proclamation, all men who do not own property and are neither in the military, nor working in agriculture, nor employed in someone’s home, within the time limits set above, or are found to be vagrants, will be arrested and put in prison" (Léger Félicité Sonthonax August 29, 1793, Pg 114)

This quote stood out to me because it highlights that the ideals of the French Revolution did not necessarily apply to everybody equally. This decree was written and celebrated because it ended slavery on the island, but in reality, it only did it in name. While these former slaves were granted citizenship and liberty in name, in practice they will have to go back and work for their former masters or face imprisonment. With no protections such as a minimum wage or worker's rights built into this document, the conditions are not likely to improve above what they were under slavery. The French Revolution was full of ideals about equal rights and citizenship for all, but the land-owning aristocracy was doing everything in their power to maintain the status quo and their wealthy enterprises. This same challenge was faced by the majority of the French people as they were not given the right to vote at the beginning of the French Revolution when only about fifty thousand of the twenty-five million people were able to vote. The revolution talks a big game about equal rights and the abolition of tyrants but for a former slave living on Saint-Domingue, life is still limited to what it was before and those values do not really shine through to their lives. ]]> 2023-08-31 00:22:41 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2678955735 Quote haydenrthompson https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2680199892 The quote that I felt was most important is as follows," The National Convention declares slavery abolished throughout all the colonies: consequently, it decrees that all men, without distinction of color, domiciliated in the colonies, are French citizens, and entitled to the enjoyment of all the rights secured by the Constitution."  This quote comes from the The National Convention, The Abolition of Slavery, February 4, 1794. Document 28, page 122. This may not be the flashiest quote but it meant the most. This relatively short quote completed the idea of the revolution. The French Revolution, as long as slavery existed within the nation, could not end. Yes, the working class was in a sense more "free" now. However, the continuation of slavery signaled to not only the slave population but the world that this was in a sense just new management of the French Government. Removal of slavery on a nation wide scale was needed to validate the constitution to these audiences. However, just this act does not account for other individuals they looked over. Essentially, the passage of this law signaled to everyone that true steps were taken in the right direction as a result of the Revolution. Justifying the previous struggles and sacrifices made to get there. ]]> 2023-08-31 18:38:02 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2680199892 French Revolution and Rights elizabethfi2 https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2680291175 "Kings can only be content when they are surrounded by slaves; they are the ones who sold you to the whites on the African coast; they are the tyrants in Europe who want this vile trade to continue." (Leger Felicite Sonthonax, August 29, 1793, page 112). 

This quote stood out to me because it reflects Sonthonax's values regarding the revolution. This quote shows how Sonthonax was able to take the revolutionary ideals and tie them with a reason to free the slaves. It almost provides why freeing the slaves would be positive for all parties involved. He explains how it would benefit the republic as well as why the new republic would be different in its treatment of the newly freed slaves compared to the previous monarchy. ]]> 2023-08-31 20:18:08 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2680291175 The French Revolution graceboyer1 https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2680464011 One quote that stood out to me was the opening line in the Decree of General Liberty by Jean-François and Georges Biassou (1791, page 87). It states that, “Men are born and remain free and equal in rights; citizens, this is France’s gospel. It is high time that it be proclaimed in all areas of the republic.”
The reason why I think this is an important quote is because I think it reveals what the goal of the revolution was. That is why this is a powerful opener for this primary source. It seems everyone in the French empire wanted some form of freedom. This was even declared in the Rights of Man. It seems to be implied as a natural right for everyone, no matter who you are. I think this reveals that people during French Revolution believed it should be spread everywhere, not just in an area like metropolitan France.
]]> 2023-09-01 00:42:21 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2680464011 French and Revolution erinjohnson51 https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2680717495 "Men are born and remain free and equal in rights; citizens, this is France’s gospel. It is high time that it be proclaimed in all areas of the republic" (Decree of General Liberty by Jean-Francois and Georges Biassou, 1791, page 87). I really liked this quote and I think it was a great start to the decree. It is super important because it shows the true goal of the revolution and what it should accomplish. I liked how it started the primary source making it clear that freedom was the main component of everyone's needs in France. Also, because it was in the Rights of Man, it created a sense of union in all people. It showed that every man is created equal and that the french believed this should be spread throughout the country.]]> 2023-09-01 04:22:01 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2680717495 French Revolution Quote nickjham https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681136852 The quote that I found interesting from Letter to the Commissioners (Francois, 1791, page 87) was "These are the men who don’t know how to choose big words, but who are going to show you and all the world the justice of their cause; finally, they are those whom you call your slaves and who claim the rights to which all men may aspire. For too long, Gentlemen, by way of abuses which one can never too strongly accuse to have taken place because our lack of understanding and our ignorance—for a very long time, I say, we have been victims of your greed and your avarice."

I think this is interesting because it shows the clear power struggle between the free men and the enslaved. The "these are the men who don't know how to choose big words" symbolizes the end of the quote's discussion about lack of understanding and ignorance. These slaves weren't given an opportunity to the high quality education that the rest of the French people were, which is signified by the big words sentiment. What we're seeing here is the acknowledgement of ignorance and mistreatment of enslaved people in the context of a revolution, which makes this quote not only one of the most powerful and courageous I've seen, but perhaps a sign that change is inevitable.

]]> 2023-09-01 13:18:02 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681136852 Quote rollsreus684 https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681289516 The quote I chose reads as follows: "A group of ferocious tyrants still ruled Saint Domingue, men who publicly preached that ones skin color should be a sign of power or condemnation" (Leger Felicite Sonthonax, Aug 29, 1793, pg 111) To me this was an important quote because it clearly indicates the opinion of Sonthonax and how staunchly anti slavery he was. This is important because it gives personal impetus to his policies and actions, specifically those concerning the freeing of enslaved peoples. It is clearly something he is passionate about and his beliefs are a driving force behind his policies. This is a great example of some of the best tenets of the French Revolution and the Republican mindset at work. ]]> 2023-09-01 15:35:38 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681289516 French Revolution quote ryanjohnson71 https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681335536 The quote from Jean-François and Biassou's letter to the Commissioners dated December 21, 1791, stands out for its explicit detailing of the horrors of slavery and the enslaved peoples' skepticism towards promises of change. The generals write, "Oh, sirs, in the name of humanity, deign to look favorably on these unfortunates by clearly outlawing such harsh mistreatment, abolishing the terrible plantation prisons...and we dare assure you that they will take up their work once again and will return to order." This quote reveals a complex layer of the French Revolution, where enslaved people in the colonies sought immediate and tangible changes in their brutal living conditions beyond the abstract revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Their letter shows a desire for freedom and exposes the enslaved's distrust for authorities who had previously promised safety but delivered betrayal and further suffering. The authorities believed that improving conditions would encourage the enslaved people to return to work, thereby increasing productivity.]]> 2023-09-01 16:20:09 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681335536 conradsmith1 https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681376070 2023-09-01 16:50:42 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681376070 The French Revolution Quote erikawarkentin https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681608965 The quote that stuck out to me as being important from these readings comes from  Sonthonax in the Decree of General Liberty, August 29, 1793, on page 112. It reads as follows: 
"Since you have chosen to become citizens of the French nation, you must also be the zealous defender of its laws; you will undoubtedly defend the interests of the republic against kings, more our of gratitude for the benefits she has heaped upon you than to preserve your own independence. Liberty has brought you from nothingness into existence; show that you are worthy of her."

I think this quote significant because it shows how important it was for the freed men to work in the interest of the nation they had just joined as citizens, and that it was not going to be an easy ride by any means. Sonthonax knows that these men can be trusted to work in the interest of the Republic as they do not want to answer to kings or the same people who had previously enslaved them, but he is also driving home the point that freedom and citizenship does not mean laziness is acceptable. Now that these free men have worked for their freedom, they must continue to work toward the interests of the Republic. This quote demonstrates the dedication that Sonthonax has for the Republic and the Revolution in terms of getting as many people on the "right" side of history as he can.]]> 2023-09-01 23:18:10 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681608965 French Revolution Quote alexanderbass https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681648150 The quote that stood out to me was from the Decree of General Liberty (Sonthonax, 1793, page 110) which said "Men are born and remain free and equal in rights; citizens, this is France’s gospel. It is high time that it be proclaimed in all areas of the republic." In this Sonthonax states that every man born in France is an equal citizen and that this right is also given to those who live outside the mainland. Sonthonax also implies that the right of citizens and their freedoms is one of the fundamental laws of revolutionary France. This radical helped lead France to become the first European colonial power to outlaw slavery before Napoleon reinstated it. By doing this it helped further show the world that the French Revolution had succeeded in spreading its ideals and beliefs into the colonies and the people who lived in them. This would further spread in the years to come to other European Empires and their colonies and the wider world. This proclamation of freedom wasn't just a success for the slaves in Saint Domingue, but for slaves and other oppressed people everywhere in the world who saw that there was a path to freedom, either through revolution or other movements.]]> 2023-09-02 01:18:49 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681648150 French revolution quote noahrchristenson https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681653978 A quote that stood out to me in these readings was from the Decree of General Liberty (Sonthonax, 1793, pg. 111). This quote reads, "This regime is going to be changed; a new order of things will be born, and the old slavery will disappear. Yet do not think that the liberty that you will enjoy means laziness and inactivity." This quote shows the massive change started by the revolution with a regime change and the outlawing of slavery. It also warns these new citizens that they will need to work for the interest of France, and not sit idly by. Yes, they have gained their freedom, but that does not stop their duties to the nation. It only adds to them.]]> 2023-09-02 01:35:48 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681653978 French Revolution Quote jjcornelius https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681667996 A quote that prevailed real importance to me comes from Document 28: The National Convention "The Abolition of Slavery." This document, arising on February 4th, 1794 outlines the National Conventions response to learning the slaves in Saint-Domingue had been emancipated. The document also still maintains relativism to the French Revolution as a whole, despite it being about Emancipation. Danton, on page 124, writes, " Representatives of the French people, until now our decrees of liberty have been selfish, and only for ourselves. But today we proclaim it to the universe, and generations to come will glory in this decree; we are proclaiming universal liberty." Not only is Daxton proclaiming newly found liberty for the enslaved people; Daxton is also proclaiming that everyone is free of past rule. Everybody is free from past control, both slaves and free individuals, and now, more people will start out on a somewhat more equal level of inherited rights. This excerpt, and many others for that matter, show the emotion and excitement many revolutionaries share for the future of France as a Republic. Daxton is claiming all the bloodshed and difficulty will be worth it; in the end, France is worth fighting for!]]> 2023-09-02 02:17:58 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681667996 Oh, sirs, in the name of humanity, deign to look favorably on these unfortunates by clearly outlawing such harsh mistreatment, abolishing the terrible plantation prisons, where the stays are miserable, and trying to improve the condition of this class of men so necessary to the colony, and we dare assure you that they will take up their work once again and will return to order."-Jean Francois and Biassou, December 21, 1791, page 90 reginaobrien1 https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681673326 This quote has the voices of Generals Jean-Francois and Biassou talking about the reflections or experiences told to them by the slaves in Saint-Domingue. Their letter reflects the outrage that the two men are certain will be felt by revolutionaries after they hear and see how the slaves are treated in a republic that proclaims full citizenship and rights to all men. The quote also reflects a desire to not only grant citizenship to all people of color, but to also ensure that the system of slavery is fully outlawed and no longer used in the French colonies. ]]> 2023-09-02 02:34:53 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681673326 French Revolution quote mitchluciw https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681706900 The quote was from the Decree of General Liberty by Leger Felicite Sonthonax of August 29, 1793, on page 112 of the readings. "Never forget, citizens, that they gave you the weapons that conquered your liberty; never forget that you fought for the French Republic, that of all the whites in the universe, the only ones that are your friends are the Frenchmen of Europe." This statement is a very common one throughout history. When a nation is in a bad situation they turn to the slave class for a last ditch effort just like the British did in the American Revolutionary war. If anything the statement is an indictment of how dire the situation was.]]> 2023-09-02 04:28:29 UTC https://padlet.com/UNDfranceandempire/c7lzl2nj0c1b8s9/wish/2681706900