Visual Source 16.1: The Early Years of the French Revolution: “The Joyous Accord”

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Like all major social upheavals, the French Revolution unleashed both enormous hopes and great fears, largely depending on an individual’s position in French society. Nonetheless, in the early stages of the revolution (1789–1791), many people believed that France could become a constitutional monarchy with a far more limited role for the king and that the three estates—clergy, nobility, and commoners—could live together in harmony. Visual Source 16.1, entitled “The Joyous Accord,” represents this phase of the revolution as it depicts the peaceful interaction of members of the three estates. The text reads: “Then Messieur we drink to the health of our good King and the Fatherland, that we may be in agreement, at least this for life. And that virtue may be our guide and we will taste together the true pleasures of life.”

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Visual Source 16.1 The Early Years of the French Revolution: “The Joyous Accord” (The Bridgeman Art Library)