The Women’s March on Versailles: October 6, 1789

The Women’s March on Versailles, also known as the October March, was a pivotal event during the French Revolution that took place on October 5-6, 1789. This significant episode marked a turning point in the revolution, highlighting the power of popular protest and the growing discontent with the monarchy.

Context Leading Up to the March

The French Revolution began in 1789, driven by widespread discontent with the monarchy, economic hardship, and demands for political reform. By October of that year, France was in turmoil. The country faced severe food shortages, particularly bread, which was a staple of the French diet. The economic crisis was exacerbated by poor harvests and the financial strain from France’s involvement in the American Revolutionary War.

The Estates-General had been convened in May 1789, leading to the formation of the National Assembly and the subsequent storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. Despite these revolutionary developments, King Louis XVI and his court remained largely detached from the plight of the common people, residing in the opulent Palace of Versailles, away from the unrest in Paris.

The March to Versailles

On October 5, 1789, thousands of Parisians, predominantly women, gathered at the markets of Paris, frustrated by the scarcity and high price of bread. The crowd, driven by hunger and anger, decided to march to Versailles to demand action from the king. The marchers, numbering between 6,000 and 10,000, were joined by members of the National Guard, led by the revolutionary leader Marquis de Lafayette.

The marchers arrived at Versailles on the evening of October 5. They demanded to see the king and insisted that he address their grievances. The situation escalated overnight, with tensions rising between the crowd and the royal guards.

The Outcome on October 6

On the morning of October 6, the situation reached a climax when some of the protesters broke into the palace. The king and queen, Marie Antoinette, were forced to confront the reality of the revolution. To appease the crowd and ensure their safety, King Louis XVI agreed to accompany the marchers back to Paris.

The royal family, along with members of the National Assembly, were escorted to the Tuileries Palace in Paris. This move effectively placed the king under the control of the revolutionaries and marked the end of the monarchy’s isolation from the revolutionary fervor in the capital.

Aftermath and Significance

The Women’s March on Versailles was a significant moment in the French Revolution. It demonstrated the power of popular protest and underscored the critical role of women in the revolutionary movement. The forced relocation of the royal family to Paris symbolized the shift in power from the monarchy to the people and the National Assembly.

This event also set the stage for further radicalization of the revolution, leading to the eventual downfall of the monarchy and the establishment of the French Republic. The march highlighted the urgent need for social and economic reforms and underscored the growing influence of the Parisian populace in shaping the course of the revolution.

In summary, the Women’s March on Versailles was a crucial turning point that not only brought the king closer to the revolutionary heart of Paris but also signaled the increasing momentum of the revolutionary movement in France.