The March on Versailles, a crucial event during the French Revolution, was initiated by women protesting the scarcity and cost of bread. It evolved into a broader movement demanding economic fairness and political change, leading to a confrontation at the royal palace and significant shifts in power dynamics. The march underscored the influence of grassroots activism on political processes and the weakening of the monarchy.
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The acute shortage and high cost of bread sparked the March on Versailles
The opulent royal banquet held at Versailles on October 1 was seen as an affront to the suffering of the common people
The marchers advocated for a fairer economic system and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy to address their political and economic grievances
The march began with women in the Parisian markets protesting against economic hardships
The march gained momentum and drew in a diverse crowd, including revolutionaries seeking political changes
The initial plea for bread turned into broader political demands, including the relocation of the royal court from Versailles to Paris
Queen Marie Antoinette's lavish lifestyle and perceived detachment from the common people made her a focal point of the protesters' anger
The siege of Versailles culminated in a tense confrontation and violence when some protesters entered the palace in search of the Queen
King Louis XVI's decision to accompany the crowd back to Paris, supported by the Marquis de Lafayette, had far-reaching effects on the French Revolution, weakening the monarchy's authority and enhancing the prominence of revolutionary leaders
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Date of the March on Versailles
October 5, 1789
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Initial protestors of the March
Women from Parisian markets
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Event exacerbating public anger before the March
Royal banquet at Versailles on October 1, 1789
