FR 156 - Lectures

Celtic Tribe (250 BCE)
- Paris founded by the Parisii tribe along the Seine River.
Roman Invasion (52 BCE)
- Romans established Lutetia, which later turned into Paris by the 300s CE after the fall of the Roman Empire.
- Significant events:
  - Clovis, 1st King of the Franks (481-511 CE): United tribes and established Paris as the capital.
  - Charlemagne abandoned Paris in 800 CE.
  - Period of Viking raids (845-911 CE) led to Paris being sacked.
Transition to Kingdom of France
- By the 10th century, France emerged as a Kingdom with Philippe Auguste expanding Paris significantly.
- Development of Gothic architecture, including pointed arches and stained glass.

Louvre Museum
- Initially used as a royal residence until Louis XIV's reign.
- Became a museum during the French Revolution.
- Pyramid designed by I.M. Pei in 1984 symbolizes modernity and attracts global visitors.

Frankish Invasion and Consolidation
- The Frankish invasion led by Clovis I established Paris’s significance as a capital.
- Clovis was baptized, bringing Christianity to the region, marking a significant religious transformation.
Economic Growth and Revelations
- The 6th-7th centuries saw an increase in trade and the emergence of a local church.

8th-9th Centuries CE
- Charlemagne moved the capital to modern-day Germany, diminishing Paris's significance.
- Vikings frequently attacked Paris in the 9th century.
10th Century Developments
- Paris shifted from a provincial town to a commercial and religious center; royalty used it as a governmental seat.
Medieval Paris (11th-13th Centuries)
- Paris gained cultural, economic, and intellectual importance.
- Construction of Notre Dame began in 1163 and completed by 1260, establishing Paris as a major European city.

Growth Estimates
- No official record; populations estimated based on household counts (200,000 - 270,000).
- Comparison: Nearby regions had smaller populations (Champaign 89,200; Urbana 38,500).
Bubonic Plague (1346-1352)
- Plague led to the death of approximately 100,000 people in France, severely affecting economy and social structure, evidenced by massive mortality rates.

Political and Social Transformations
- Louis XI's departure reflected a distrust of Parisians in 1461.
- François I's return in the 16th century signaled a renaissance influence in intellectual circles and architecture.
Population Statistics
- By 1550: Population hit 350,000, which decreased to 300,000 by 1580, establishing Paris as the largest city in Europe.
Religious Dynamics
- Roman Catholic Church partnered with the crown, leading to persecution against Protestants and Jews.

Satire and Literature
- Rabelaisian humor characterized by smart, vulgar satire, aiming at educated readers, critiqued aspects of society including education and monarchy.
Cultural Evolution
- Growth in educational institutions, societal norms, and the evolution of personal freedoms.

Pre-Revolution Factors
- 1754-1763: Seven Years War debt; socio-economic strain due to bad harvests leading to widespread discontent.
- Enlightened ideas emerged from preceding cultural movements, questioning traditional values.
Major Revolutionary Events
- Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, marked the start of significant rebellion against the monarchy.
- Declaration of Rights of Man emphasized individual rights and sovereignty.

Central Role in Revolution
- Paris was crucial in events leading to the monarchy's collapse, including the establishment of political clubs and significant uprisings.
Social Changes
- Growth of the middle class, rapid modernization, and significant public works projects transformed urban life.

Occupation of Paris (1940-1944)
- Paris fell to German forces, resulting in a Vichy regime.
- Significant resistance movements emerged among Parisians; daily life included curfews and food rationing.
Cultural Memory
- Literature and media reflect on the horrors and resistance during this period, emphasizing the need for remembrance and accountability.