INTRODUCTION The 1700's in France are often called "The Age of Reason", or the "Enlightenment". During this century, French philosophers emphasized reason as the best method for learning truth. Much of the literature was philosophical; produced by such important thinkers as Voltaire, Diderot, Montesquieu and Rousseau. It was also a time of great political turmoil when the French became one of the first nations to overthrow their King and become a republic. PURPOSE The purpose of this unit is to acquaint you with some of the important people, events, and achievements of France during the eighteenth century. You have been hired by a French encylopedie company that is about to publish a new edition. Because of the cost of paper, printing, etc. they must make cost effective decisions concerning the people, events, etc. about the 1700's that they will include in their encylopedie. You must argue persuasively and ardently to their publications board why a particular person, event or achievement from the 1700's should remain in the new edition. As part of this assignment, you will do the following: 1. Look up the information on your topic only in French . You must have 2 book reference and one or more Web sites. SYLLABUS DAY 1 Introduction of the unit. Research reserve materials in the Library. Hand in authors and titles of the books and Web sites you intend to use in your presentation by the end of the period. DAY 2 Continue research in the Library. Turn in an outline (in French) to your instructor at the end of the period. The outline can be one page or more. RESEARCH HINTS • Look at Dictionnaire Universel Des Noms Propres and Grand Larousse en 5 Volumes for a good overview of your topic. 1. Honore Fragonard (1732-1806) painted in the style known rococo . Fragonard's favorite subjects were courtship and flirtation among the upper classes. He also became known for his portraits of famous entertainers and children. "The Swing", Fragonard's most famous painting, illustrates rococo at its peak. Find a reproduction of a painting illustrating Fragonard's style and subject matter. (Hint: If you cannot find a reproduction of "The Swing", you may borrow the Library's print of "A Young Girl Reading". Sources: Grand Larousse V.3, p. 1287; Robert's Dictionnaire V.2, p. 316. XVII-XVIII, p. 238, 239, 240. Visuals: XVII-XVIII Siecles, p. 234 (portrait by Fragonard of Diderot, p. 235). 2. Antoine Watteau (1684-1721) introduced the style of delicately romantic art popular in France during the 1700's. "The Embarkation of Cythera", "Gilles" and "The Mezzetin" represent some of his best work. Find a reproduction of one or more of Watteau's paintings and discuss his subject matter and style. Sources: Grand Larousse V.5, p. 3219; V. 2, p. 780 + "Costumes" Robert's Dictionnaire V. 4, p. 680. XVII-XVIII, p. 138-139. Visuals: XVIII Siecle, p. 203 ; Histoire De La Civilisation Francaise XVII-XX, p. 122, 123. 3. Jean Baptiste Simeon Chardin (1699-1779) is now regarded as one of the great French painters of the 1700's. He lived in Paris all his life, content to paint the common scenes and objects of daily life. "The Cardplayer" (1737) and "Grace Before Meat" are excellent examples of his style. Find a reproduction of one or more of his paintings and discuss his subject matter and style. Sources: Grand Larousse V. 3, p. 1452; Robert's Dictionnaire V. 2, p. 490; XVIII p. 224-225; XVII-XVIII painting and description of work. Visual: XVIII p. 204; XVII-XVIII, p. 211, 390. 4. Denis Diderot (1713-1784) was a philosopher whose works also included fiction, drama, art and literary criticism. He spent much of his life compiling the great French "Encyclopedie". Tell about his contribution to this monumental work and the effect it had on the French revolution. Find a visual of part of the Encyclopedie to include in your presentation. Sources: XVII Siecle p. 236-246; Le Robert's p. 80; Grand Larousse v.2, p. 945; Manuel Des Etudes XVII p. 101-108; Visuals, same as below in #5. 5. Jean Le Rond d' Alembert (1717-1783) was a scientist and mathematician who collaborated with Diderot in the publication of the Encyclopedie . He is also known in mathematics for d'Alembert's principle and theorem. Tell about his contribution to the encyclopedie and the significance of his work in mathematics. Sources: Grand Larousse v. 1, p. 76; Le Robert's Dictionnaire v. 1, p. 57; XVIII Siecle, p. 215-218; Manuel des Etudes, p. 101-108; XVII-XVIII Siecles p. 224-226, 245, 263, 306 Visuals: Grand Larousse v. 1,p.76; XVII-XVIII p. 203; XVII-XVIII Siecles p. 224, 226 (Examples of the Encyclopedie). 6. Louis XV (1710-1774) came to the throne at the age of five. Until 1726 Cardinal de Fleury was the ruler. After his death, Louis XV ruled alone with disastrous military and financial consequences. In very general terms describe some of the major events and decisions that involved Louis XV. Be sure to mention two of his mistresses, Madame De Pompadour and Madame Du Barry. Sources: Grand Larousse v. 3, p. 1886; Robert's Dictionnaire v. 3, p. 158; XVIII Siecle p. 95-109; Rois et Reines De France p. 235-249; XVII-XVIII "De l'Esprit des Lois" p. 283-287. Visuals: Rois et Reines, p. 236, 239. 7. Louis XVI (1754-1793) was the grandson of Louis XV. He was a man of personal virtue and good intentions, but was a weak ruler. Describe the policies that Louis XVI pursued or did not pursue that led to his being guillotined. Be sure and mention his marriage to Marie Antoinette. Sources: Grand Larousse V. 3, p. 1887; Robert's Dictionnaire V. 3, p. 1581, 1589; XVIII Siecle p. 95-109; Rois et Reines de France p. 249-266, "De l'Esprit des Lois" p. 283-287 of XVII-XVII Siecles. Visuals" Excellent ones in Rois et Reines de France. 8. Charles de Secondat " Montesquieu " was an outstanding philosopher whose major work, The Spirit of the Laws , greatly influenced the writing of the Constitution of the United States. Describe the contents and significance of this treatise to the publications board. Why do you think that Montesquieu should remain in the encyclopedie? Sources: Grand Larousse V. 4, p. 2087; Robert's Dictionnaire V. 3, p. 401; Manuel des Etudes XVIII p. 37-50; Michel, P. F840.5 Mic V. 2 Expliquez-moi... Les Grands...XVIII; XVII-XVIII p. 280, 281, 282 also p. 158, 159, 160. Visuals: Portrait p. 282 XVII-XVIII. 9. Jean Antoinette Poisson Madame de Pompadour (1721-1764) was a beautiful mistress of Louis XV. She also played an important role in the politics of Louis' reign. Describe her appearance, educational background and the salon she hosted. Include the names of some of her prominent salon guests. Sources: Grand Larousse v. 4, p. 2453, Robert's Dictionnaire V. 3, p. 763; XVII-XVIII, p. 256-257. Visuals: Robert's V. 3 p. 763; XVII-XVIII, p. 256-257. 10. Pierre Marivaux (1688-1763) was a playwright and novelist. He was best known for his comedies such as The Double Incon- Stancy , The Game of Love and Chance and The False Confessions . What class of people did he depict in his comedies? What were his general themes? Sources: Grand Larousse v. 4, p. 1965; Robert's Dictionnaire V. 3, p. 262; XVIII Siecle, p. 44+; XVII-XVIII p. 107, 151, 152, 266, 275, 3223. Visuals: Robert's Dictionnaire V. 3, p. 262; Manuel Des Etudes p. 17-23+ XVII-XVIII p. 78. 11. Robespierre (1758-1794) was one of the principal figures in the French Revolution. A well educated lawyer and judge, he became an incorruptible advocate of the people and enemy of the monarchy. Read one of his speeches and explain the part he played in the Revolution. Then tell why his enemies joined forces to destroy him. Sources: Lagarde, p. 411-412; Melchior-Bonnet, p. 97, 103-105; Dowd, p. 26-27, 51, 123, 132-133; Duby, v. 2, p. 126-139 passim; Biet, p. 462 (port). 12. Jean Paul Marat (1743-1793), physician and scientist, became an influential voice in the National Convention and was in favor of the most radical and democratic measures. Tell how and why he died. Sources: Dowd, p. 95, 112-113; Melchior-Bonnet, p. 74, 79; Duby, v. 2, 126-139; Biet, p. 426-437 (David's "Death of Marat"). 13. Voltaire (1694-1778) was a writer and philosopher. His criticisms of the French government caused him to be imprisoned several times in the Bastille and to endure periods of exile. At the age of 68, Voltaire took up the cause of Jean Calas. Jean Calas, a resident of Toulouse, had been accused of murdering his son and was broken alive on the wheel. In the course of the several years it took to reverse the verdict, Voltaire supported the Calas family and wrote Treatise on Tolerance (1763). Explain the importance of Voltaire's involvement and the Treatise on Tolerance . Sources: Lagarde, p. 170, 111-192 passim; Gengoux, p. 101-104; Magnard, p. 349-349. 14. Antoine Laruent de Lavoisier (1743-1794) was a rich, government tax collector who was seriously interested in science, especially chemistry. Explain why he is considered the father of modern chemistry. Sources: Biet, p. 394; Blancpain, p. 165. 15. Charlotte Corday. Even though Charlotte Corday was born to a family of minor Norman gentry, she was not a Royalist. On the contrary, she was a well-read woman who believed in the political ideals of the French Revolution. In an attempt to end the reign of terror, she murdered Jean-Paul Marat whom she held responsible for La Terreur. Present a short biographical sketch of Mme. Corday and cover the who, what, where, when, why and how of her actions. Sources: Biet, p. 448, 436-437. (Hint: For information on Charlotte Corday, look under "Marat" and consult your class readings).Grand Larousse V. 2, p. 766 and Robert's Dictionnaire V.1, p. 698-699. 16. Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) was the most important writer of the Age of Reason. His theories had an impact on the development of the French Revolution as well as education and literature. In 1762 the French government condemned Emile , a book in which Rousseau expounded his ideas on education. What is so revolutionary about Emile ? Sources: Lagarde, p. 297-311, p. 158; Duby, v.2, p. 126-139 passim; Gengoux, p. 104-106; Magnard, p. 312, 393, 413; May, whole book passim. 17. Pierre Auguste Caron, de Beaumarchais (1732-1799) was a watchmaker turned courtier and dramatist. He is best known for his two comedies The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro. Describe the tone and plot of the two comedies and some of their influence on the world of music. Sources: Lagarde, p. 383-406; Voltz, p. 123-128, 366-370; Biet, p. 362-367, 426. 18. Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834) became a hero in the new world where he fought with the colonists against England and in the old world where he opposed the absolute power of the monarchy. Explain how Lafayette differed from most of the French aristocracy. Sources: Histoires de Frances en bandes dessinees, p. 650-689. 19. Georges-Jacques Danton (1759-1794) was a revolutionary leader and orator, known as the "Mirabeau of the People." Find one of his speeches and tell why it could move the audience of Danton. Sources: Lagarde, p. 410-411; Melchior-Bonnet, p. 96-97; Duby, v. 2, p. 126-139 passim; Dowd, p. 91; Biet, p. 461 (port.) NCS Lib. has videotape called Danton. 20. La Terreur. Ironically the French Revolution was a failed revoution. Liberte, Egalite and Fraternite quickly descended to the towering figure of Robespierre and his reign of terror as the revolution spun out of control and began to murder itself. Describe the major events and decisions that caused this idealistic revolution to end in murdering chaos. Sources: Grand Larousse Vol. 5, p. 2995; Robert's Dictionnaire Vol. 4, p. 453. 21. Marie Antoinette. She was the beautiful queen of France who died on the guillotine during the French Revolution. Many people believe that her frivolity and plotting helped undermine the monarchy. Others believe that she was compassionate and open to reforms but undermined in her efforts to change by various court members. Take one point of view and support it with historical evidence and opinion. Sources: Grand Larousse Vol. 4 p. 1961 and Robert's Dictionnaire Vol. 3, pp. 257-258. 22. La Bastille. Was a great fortress in Paris that stood as a symbol of royal tyranny. On July 14, 1789 at the beginning of the French Revolution, a large crowd of Parisians captured the Bastille. This act convinced Louis XVI to withdraw his troops from Paris and to accept the French Revolution. Discuss the significance of the toppling of La Bastille to the French people and members of the aristocracy. Sources: Robert's Dictionnaire Vol. 1, p. 283 and Grand Larousse Vol.1, p. 320. 23. La Palais du Luxembourg. This beautiful palace was built for Marie de Medicis in the years 1615-1627. For the decorations and embellishments, Rubens paintings adorn the walls of the large gallery and the library houses the masterpieces of Delacroix. The beautiful Luxembourg gardens are also noteworthy. Design a virtual tour of the palace and gardens to present on the Internet to your classmates. Sources: Grand Larousse Vol.3, p. 1903 and RTL Guide p. 354. 24. Les Invalides. In 1670, Louis XIV founded the Invalides as an old soldiers home. Many of the arms used by the mob when it attacked La Bastille were taken from Les Invalides. It was also used to house the remains of Napoleon I in a great crypt under its dome. It presently contains the largest single collection of monuments in Paris including: Musee de L'Armee, Musee des Plans-Reliefs, Musee de l' Ordre de la Liberation and L'Eglise de St-Louis-des-Invalides. Design a virtual tour of this Parisian landmark and prepare brief Descriptions to accompany your visual tour. Sources: Grand Larousse Vol. 2, p. 1648 and Robert's Dictionnaire Vol. 2 p. 683. 25.La Conciergerie. Of all the prisons that housed the aristocracy during the French Revolution, the Conciergerie, on the Ile de la Cite, had the most sinister reputation. It was called a vast antechamber of death because it was temporary lodging for those awaiting their execution after sentence. Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, was housed here. Describe the conditions of La Conciergerie and the last days that Marie Antoinette spent in it. Sources: Robert's Dictionnaire Vol. 1, p. 678 and Grand Larousse 26.Le Jeu de Paume. This was a room in the palace of Versailles where the deputies representing the French people convened to draft a constitution for France. The event was represented by the painter David in a painting referred to in English as the Tennis Court Oath. Find a picture of the painting and describe the ideas that the deputies were trying to get Louis XVI to accept. Sources: Grand Larousse Vol. 3, p. 1712 and Robert's Dictionnaire 27.The Flight to Varennes. On June 20, 1791, Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, their children and closest servants fled Paris in secret, hoping to reach the Luxembourg frontier and to join loyal Austrian troops there. Unfortunately, the Royal party made it only as far as the small town of Varennes-en-Argonne. Outline the route the royal family took and discuss the disastrous consequences of their decision to flee. Sources: Search under Varennes-en-Argonne. Grand Larousse Vol. 5 p. 3136 and Robert's Dictionnaire Vol. 4, p. 590. 28. Le Nouveau Calendrier. The French revolutionaries wanted to create an empire of images that would detach people from the superstitions associated with the Gregorian Calendar. Describe the new calendar in terms of how the months and days reflected the cult of nature that the new government wished to evoke. Sources: Search under Le Calendrier Republicain and Grand Larousse Vol. 1 p. 483 Robert's Dictionnaire Vol. 2 p. 526. 29. La Guillotine. In 1789, Dr. Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, deputy of the National Assembly, proposed a form of capital punishment in keeping with the equal status accorded all citizens by the Declaration of the Rights of Man. Instead of barbaric practices which degraded spectators as much as the criminal, French revolutionaries adopted a method of surgical instantaneity. Show a picture of this machine, as it was known, to your classmates and explain how it worked. What class of people were its primary victims? Name some people from famous French families who were among its victims. Sources: Grand Larousse Vol. 3 p. 1475-1476 and Robert's Dictionnaire Vol. 2, p. 526. 30. Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821. Napoleon crowned himself emperor of France. He was the greatest military genius of his time and perhaps the greatest general in history. He created an empire that covered most of Western and Central Europe. Write a biographical sketch about him that highlights his most important achievements and mistakes. Sources: Robert's Dictionnaire Vol. 3 p. 466-469 and Grand Larousse Vol. 4 p. 2139. BIBLIOGRAPHYReference Books R034 Grand Larousse en 5 volumes . Paris: Librarie Larousse, G751 1987. French Reserve Collection F725 Basdevant, Denise. Cent Monuments Racontent L'Histoire de F944 Blancpain, Marc. La Civilisation Francaise . Paris: Hachette, 1957. FB Bordonove, Georges. Les Rois Qui Fait La France: Louis XV Le FB Bordonove, Georges, Les Rois Qui Ont Fait La France F840.9 Castex, P. and Surer, P. Manuel Des Etudes Litteraires F944.00992 Castries, Duc de. Rois et Reines De France . Paris: F944.04 Dowd, David. La Revolution Francaise . Paris: F944 Duby, Georges and Mandrou, Robert. Histoire De La F914.4 Gengoux, Jacques. Les Tres Riches Heures De La F944 Histoire De France: Le Soleil De Versailles . Paris: Societe des F944 Histoire De France de Bonaparte a Louis Phillippe . F840.9 Lagarde, Andre et Michael Laurent. XVIIIe Siecle . F759.5 Levinson-Lessing, V. F. Splendeurs De L'Ermitage F844 May, George. Rousseau, Par Lui Meme . Paris: Aux F944.04 Melchior-Bonnet, Bernardine. La Revolution Et F840.5 Michel, Pierre. Expliquez-Moi ... Les Grands Ecrivains F842 Morel, Jacques. La Tragedie . Paris: Librarie Armand F844 Rousseau, Jean Jacques. Les Reveries Du Promeneur F842 Voltz, Pierre. La Comedie . Paris: Librairie Armand VISUALSFRAGONARD Prepared by NCS Upper School Librarians
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