545. The French Revolution: The First Feminist (Part 2)
Mar 6, 2025
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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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Quick takeaways
Marianne emerges as a symbol of the French Republic, representing liberty and hope amidst the chaos of the revolution's violence.
The establishment of universal male suffrage in 1792 represents a major political shift towards democracy, yet highlights the exclusion of women from this progress.
Olympe de Gouges critiques the male-centric revolutionary ideals, advocating fiercely for women's rights and challenging the deep-seated misogyny of her time.
Deep dives
The Symbol of Marianne and Its Emergence
The figure of Marianne emerges as a powerful symbol of the French Republic during the tumultuous summer and autumn of 1792. She represents the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity, and is visually depicted wearing the Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom. This moment coincides with significant events such as the September Massacres and the advancement of the Prussian army on Paris, which heightened the revolutionary spirit. The combination of Marianne and the national anthem, the Marseillaise, captures the complex emotions of hope and despair during a period marked by violence and aspiration.
Universal Male Suffrage and Political Change
In September 1792, the National Convention meets amidst fears of the advancing Prussian army, marking a turning point in the political landscape of France with the establishment of universal male suffrage. This new political alignment allows all men over the age of 21 to vote, eliminating previous property and class distinctions. This shift is celebrated as a moment of progress, embodying the spirit of democracy and popular sovereignty, despite differing opinions on the revolution's broader implications. The election of the National Convention demonstrates the revolutionary ideals, even as the specter of war looms large over Paris.
Olympe de Gouges and Women's Rights
Olympe de Gouges becomes a crucial figure in advocating for women's rights during the French Revolution, articulating her ideas in works like the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen. She fiercely critiques the exclusion of women from the revolutionary doctrines that promote equality, arguing that if men are granted rights, women should receive the same. Her bold stance is met with mockery and derision from many contemporary revolutionaries, showcasing the deeply entrenched misogyny of the time. De Gouges's efforts illuminate revolutionary hypocrisy and the struggle for women's voices in a male-dominated political landscape.
Radical Female Figures in the Revolution
Women such as Théroigne de Méricourt and Madame Roland play significant roles in the revolutionary narrative, each navigating the political landscape in different ways. Méricourt, known for her boldness and activism, pushes for women's participation in the revolutionary process, even advocating for a women's battalion. Madame Roland, while instrumental in her salon's political influence, embodies traditional roles by not allowing women to join her discussions. These women exemplify the challenges and contradictions faced by female revolutionaries, often caught between their political aspirations and societal expectations.
The Role of Gender in Revolutionary Rhetoric
The revolution's rhetoric is heavily influenced by historical notions of masculinity, with figures like Robespierre embodying ideals of male virtue while relegating women to the domestic sphere. Revolutionary culture often depicted women as emotional and unstable, contrasting sharply with the stoic virtues expected of men. This gendered portrayal perpetuates the idea that women's participation in politics is unnecessary or even counter-revolutionary, undermining the contributions of female activists. The marginalization of women's voices underscores a significant gap between the revolutionary ideals of equality and the realities of gender inequality during this transformative period.
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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