European History Unit 5 Literature

What is the Third Estate? by Abbe Sieyes

A pamphlet written by a French clergyman who had sympathies with the common people. He argued that the common people were the real France, not the nobility or even the Church. It inspired many people.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen by National Assembly

This is the first constitution of France. It was written by a group of delegates from the National Assembly. It promised basic human rights like free speech, free press, and freedom of religion.

Declaration of the Rights of Women by Olympe de Gouges

The female author was angry that the Declaration of the Rights of Men seemed to leave the women of France out. She argued that since women paid the same taxes, obeyed the same laws, and were punished the same way, they should have the same privileges.

Reflections on the Revolution in France by Edmund Burke

This British work is the foundation of conservatism. He argued that the Revolution was too extreme and that no single generation had the right to destroy the work done by all previous generations.