Révolution Française Chapter I IC

[Britanania]

OOC: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=221676#p12689705

It is December 1788. Europe is peaceful and prosperous. Louis XVI rules over Bourbon Versailles with his Austrian queen, cementing an unusual alliance. Technically, France is a very wealthy nation, its Bourgeois and working class gaining large amounts of wealth with the Aristocracy, however, the Nobles maintained all the power in the government, military, et cetera. Furthermore, the Enlightenment was centered in Paris, spreading ideas like Democracy, Natural Rights, and Equality like a cancer, not the least because in America, the former British Colonies have taken off the shackle of Great Britain.

To couple the spreading of the Enlightenment, the French peasants were growing increasingly poor with bad harvests and a spike in the price of bread, the staple of French diet. Everyday people are starving in cities like Paris, Lyons, and Toulouse. To add to the malcontents were the lower Nobility, who would have to work for a living (a very un-noble profession) if taxes were to raise. The situation is dire for the Bourbons; the Government is bankrupt as a result of war, poor leadership, and overspending. The King will have no choice but to raise revenue and have to call the Estates-General for the first time since 1614, a clear sign the King was is a weak position. Of course, the Third Estate, 97% of the Population and among those most wishing to gain from such an assembly.

The stage is set. Amid some circles, thoughts of a Revolution are growing. No one could expect what is to happen.

[Nova Imperius]

Palace of Versailles

Count Jacques paced the beautiful long halls of the palace, looking around as he drew his thoughts together. Less than 5 minutes ago he had been told not only that his father had but a few months to live but also that his cousin, the King, was unwilling to let go of his tremendous powers. It was clear to any rational man that France was on the verge of sheer war, but the King was anything but rational. Jacques had made the decission he had been brooding over, and with a turn of his heels headed straight back to the King, for a second audience.

[United Tiberia]

Pierre Montaigne gazed around at the dull Parisian streets, as he led a small group of soldiers from the barracks to the palace, to keep guard. He had been chosen as a palace guard because of his impeccable service record, earning commendations for valor in the American war of Independence. He had been personally congratulated by Lafayette himself, a day that would remain the proudest of the young lieutenant's life. But as he marched through the streets, he saw that this was not the France he remembered. This was not the center of European culture and prosperity he had signed on to protect. The bourbon king was hated by many, and so his soldiers were spat at, ridiculed. His uniform had faded spots where mud had been thrown at him. He wondered to himself, if France had been so eager to aid the American bid for freedom, why were the people here so oppressed?

[Britanania]

Paris, 26 December 1788

Jean-Paul Marat, in a rare moment, was pleased. The Parliament of Paris had met, and with the financial situation the way it was, the King would be forced to call the Estates-General, for the first time in 175 years. It would be a small victory for the Third Estate, but a victory all the same. The politician sat down to write.

Qu'est-ce que l'égalité?

Frenchmen! For too long have you been subjugated by the first Two Estates! Our time has come to take off the shackles of tyranny and replace it! Our Friend Jefferson told us that "all men are created equal". If we are equal, why does the Crown strip you of your freedoms? If we are equal, why are we treated little better than cattle? If we are equal, why does the King fear our rights? Equality is what we desire, and equality is what we shall have NO MATTER THE COST

King's Chamber

The Count was admitted. The King seldom met people at this hours, but news reached Louis that the Count's Father, an important General who fought in the Seven Years War, was dying, and he felt it necessary to see what was on his mind.

[Kherkov]

Paris, France
The Golden Crown Inn.

"Marius! See to the customers!" came the cry of Monsieur Armand, Marius' father. Marius had grown tired of the simple innkeeper life. Trudging down the stairs and putting on his usual smile, he greeted the customers. "Welcome, Monsieur and Madame. Room for two?" The man nodded, and Marius read out the price of Room 6 as a pouch of coin was placed on the table. Marius took the coin as the pair walked upstairs to their room. Once they were out of earshot, he sighed. Marius longed for change. Business was bad, and he had heard stories of the poor roaming the streets, the dead and the dying poor. And Marius put it all down to the damned King, and his hideous defeats to the British. The tyrant ruled the land with no regard to the people, Marius thought. But he knew there was little hope. Troops would put down resistance with force, and Marius didn't really know anyone who felt the same as he did. His parents still trusted the King, blinding themselves with the forlorn hope of economic recovery and victory against the British. But Marius knew the truth. The King was weak, and the people were strong. He sighed. The problem was the people didn't know that.

[North-East Ohio]

Paris, France
*Andre Beaumont walked through the city, trying to find some food, which was now, a rare thing to find in the city. But he had to keep looking for something...he had to feed his sister and himself. As he was walking he saw a man with handing out papers to people. He approched the man.*
Beaumont: "What is this?"
Man: "A message from Marat! Read it friend! It's free."
Beaumont: *He grabbed the paper and began reading it.* "oui...Merci."
*he took the paper with him as he walked away. He continued to read it and knew it was time for the revolution...time for revenge.*

[United Tiberia]

Pierre trudged out the palace gates, heading back towards the barracks. Just then, he heard screams, and the sound of gunshots from around the corner. He dashed to the scene, and saw two soldiers standing over a young woman, who was clutching the head of an elderly man, laying in a pool of blood.

"What the hell is going on here?!"

The soldiers snapped to salute. One of them spoke up "he spoke ill of the king sir, and insulted us." Pierre turned red "So you shot him!?"

One of the soldiers smiled "He was just a peasant sir, nobody will miss him." Pierre looked down at the girl. She couldn't have been older than sixteen. "You two will return to your barracks immediately, and make no mistake I WILL talk to your commanding officer about this."

Pierre shook his head as the girl glared at him. He had nothing to do but walk away.

"merde!"

[Lenciland]

Palace at Versailles
As Lord Alexander's carriage pulled up to the Palace he caught his breath, had a greater palace been created in France of that he knew not but he did know that this was an impressive sight a marvel even. With large gardens and an ornate look the royalty of Europe would love to live in a place like this. "Stop! You will only degrade yourself with these thoughts and you will lose loyalty in the greatness of the British. Remember that this palace is too ornate and that you are here for business not pleasure."he thought to himself. He was here to meet with the king to procure more trade agreements and perhaps even buy a colony or two. With thought his carriage pulled to a stop at the steps. He got out and walked in hiding his almost child-like excitement and happiness.