The Rest Is History
478. The French Revolution: Showdown in Versailles (Part 4)
Aug 1, 2024
A catastrophic storm in 1788 decimated France's wheat harvest, amplifying political chaos and unrest. As food shortages triggered riots, the nation faced financial ruin and rising revolutionary sentiment. Key figures like finance minister Jacques Necker struggled to quell the backlash, while the Estates General finally convened after centuries. The clash of personalities, such as the flamboyant Mirabeau and austere Robespierre, revealed the tensions brewing at Versailles. Ultimately, the Third Estate's bold declaration marked a pivotal shift in power and the birth of the National Assembly.
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Quick takeaways
- The devastating hailstorm of July 1788 inflicted extensive agricultural damage, significantly worsening food scarcity amid France's existing socio-economic turmoil.
- Despite efforts by the monarchy and charitable initiatives to alleviate suffering, systemic failures in support unable to meet the people's urgent needs fueled widespread civil unrest.
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The Catastrophic Hailstorm of 1788
A significant hailstorm struck France on July 13, 1788, causing widespread destruction across the nation. The storm produced hailstones of extraordinary sizes, with reports of stones weighing as much as eight to ten pounds, damaging crops, roofs, and even killing livestock and people. This meteorological disaster severely impacted the agricultural sector, particularly affecting vineyards and wheat crops, leading to a catastrophic decline in food production right before a crucial harvest. Following the storm, farmers faced further hardships with a drought and an extremely hot summer, putting immense strain on the already fragile socioeconomic conditions in France.
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