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Publishing of the Encyclopedie
A group of male philosophers published the Encyclopedie, further diminishing womens' status in society, calling a woman a "failed man", a non-developed fetus in the womb. It stated that "men are more capable than women of ably governing particular matters". A woman was to remain out of the political sphere: her only influence, raising future citizens. Her only education, learning to be a good mother and wife. -
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French Revolution
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Women's March on Versailles
Around 7,000 women gathered and marched on Versailles, demanding bread and grain. Denied entrance by the guard, the mob killed 2 guards and stormed into the palace, ransacking the queen's bedchamber. -
Etta Palm d'Aelders' Address
Etta Palm d'Aelders was a Dutch feminist that spoke out during the French Revolution. She proposed a network of clubs for women, made to administer welfare throughout France. Her attempts were unsuccessful. On December 30th, 1790, she addressed the French National Convention with her speech "Discourse on the Injustice of the Laws in Favour of Men, at the Expense of Women". -
Declaration of the Rights of Woman
Olympe de Gouges (playwright) began to write political pamphlets and eventually created the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen, challenging male authority. Unfortunately, she was chared with attacking the regime of Maximilien Robespierre and was sentenced to death. -
Pauline Leon's Petition
Pauline Leon (a chocolate-maker from Paris) submitted a petition signed by over 300 women to the National Assembly. It asked for permission for women to be given the right to bear arms. Her request was denied. -
Madame Roland Arrested
Marie-Jeanne Roland de la Platiere wrote about how it was a woman's inferior education that was to blame for their lack of political involvement. She also hosted meetings of the Brissotins, a political group that invited women to join. She was eventually arrested for her political activism, but during her stay in prison, she was provided with writing materials, which led her to publish her memoirs, by smuggling her writing out with her guests. -
Society of Revolutionary Republican Women Formed
Claire Lacombe and Pauline Leon founded the Society of Revolutionary Republican Women, lasting less the five months, by nevertheless, forcing the issue of womens' inequality into light. There were up to 180 women attending the meetings and the women took part in many revolts and uprisings. -
Death of Marat
Charlotte Corday stabbed Jean-Paul Marat to death in his bathtub. Corday despised Marat for his radical opinions and publications and feared civil war. She believed Marat was a threat to the Republic of France. -
Marie Antoinette Executed
The queen of France's hair is cut and she is forced into an open carriage, which drives through the streets of Paris to the waiting guillotine.
