545. The French Revolution: The First Feminist (Part 2)

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Mar 6, 2025

Dive into the tumultuous world of the French Revolution, where Marianne symbolizes hope amid chaos. Discover the pivotal roles women played, often overlooked in history, like Madame Roland, who shaped political discourse yet opposed female political involvement. Learn about Olympe de Gouges, a trailblazer for women's rights, and the Fernig sisters, who fought for recognition in a male-dominated society. The podcast challenges historical narratives while highlighting the complexities of gender equality during this revolutionary period.

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INSIGHT

Marianne: Symbol of Hope

Marianne emerged as a symbol of hope during the French Revolution, embodying liberty and the Republic.
This symbol emerged during a turbulent time, offering a vision of a brighter future.

INSIGHT

Universal Male Suffrage

The National Convention in 1792 marked a significant step towards universal male suffrage, eliminating class and property distinctions.
This was a radical shift towards a more inclusive political system.

ANECDOTE

Origin of Marianne

The name "Marianne" likely originated from a poem written in 1792 by Guilemme Lavabra.
The poem, "La Guerrisson de Marianne" ("The Healing of Marianne"), personified the Republic as a woman.

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In the summer and Autumn of 1792 - with the Prussians bearing down on Paris, the streets thronged with the stirring swell of the Marseillaise, but also the rotting bodies of those brutally killed during the September Massacres - the French Revolution bore a new symbol of optimism and hope: Liberty. Embodied by a female figure, later known as Marianne, and famously enshrined in Eugène Delacroix’s iconic painting, she was an important reminder that the revolution was about more than just violence, but also the dream of a brighter future, in which all the people of France would have a steak. Marianne was the new Republic personified, and manifested all those virtues most desired by the new order; freedom, equality and reason. But, did this new symbol have any resonance for the actual women of the revolution? Certainly, they had played a major role in bringing the King and Queen back to Paris from Versailles in 1789, helping patriots who stormed Tuileries in 1792, and were keen spectators to the febrile politics of the revolution. For this, women were enshrined as ‘mothers of the nation’, a vital mass of humanity thought to be inspired by an animating emotional power. And yet, unlike their male counterparts, few women save Marie Antoinette, at whom sexualised misogyny was constantly hurled, have stood the test of time. So who were the women at the very heart of the French Revolution? And what did they do to change the course of history?

Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the evolving ideology of the French Revolution - one of the most decisive moments of world history - and some of the women at the centre of it all from the very start.

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Producer: Theo Young-Smith

Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude

Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor

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