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The Library Modern Records Centre

The French Revolution

This series of slides on the build-up to and progress of the French Revolution was put together by Henry Sara using images from newspapers, magazines and other publications. It includes portraits of key figures, cartoons and illustrations of major events. Sara's notes for these slides are available onlineLink opens in a new window (please contact us if you are unable to access the information in pdf format).

A short report on Sara's delivery of this lecture at the Weavers' Institute, Padiham, is included in the Burnley Express of 4 November 1936: "The second lecture of the winter series promoted by the Padiham and District Weavers' Association was held in the Weavers' Institute last Sunday evening. The lecturer was Mr. Henry Sara, of London, and he dealt with his subject, "The French Revolution," in a very interesting manner. He pointed out that the revolution was not a kind of political or economic revolution, but a revolution due mainly to a quarrel between the nobility and the clergy. Mr. Sara had a large collection of slides to illustrate his lecture, and at the close he was cordially thanked by Mr. James Palmer, the president of the Weavers' Association."

Reproduction for any purpose (publication, exhibition, web display, commercial use, etc.) is only permissible with the consent of the Modern Records Centre. Please contact us for more information.

 

  • The French Revolution
    The French Revolution
  • Port Royal: the Abbey
    Port Royal: the Abbey
  • Louis XIV
    Louis XIV
  • Famine Relief Works 1662. The King ordered the construction of bakehouses and the distribution of bread to the people in the court of the Tuileries, a royal sop to public discontent at the consequences of continual warfare.
    Famine Relief Works 1662. The King ordered the construction of bakehouses and the distribution of bread to the people in the court of the Tuileries, a royal sop to public discontent at the consequences of continual warfare.
  • The conclusion of the Treaty of Breda, July 31 1667, between Great Britain, France, Denmark and Holland.
    The conclusion of the Treaty of Breda, July 31 1667, between Great Britain, France, Denmark and Holland.
  • Jean Baptiste Colbert (1619-1683)
    Jean Baptiste Colbert (1619-1683)
  • Louis XIV gives audience to the poorest of his subjects in 1668, probably issued to counteract the discontent against the 'Sun King'
    Louis XIV gives audience to the poorest of his subjects in 1668, probably issued to counteract the discontent against the 'Sun King'
  • The 'Bubble Boom' in the Company of the Indies under John Law’s guidance
    The 'Bubble Boom' in the Company of the Indies under John Law’s guidance
  • The Chateau of Versailles in the days of its splendours, 1722
    The Chateau of Versailles in the days of its splendours, 1722
  • A cartoon of 1728 on the financial situation
    A cartoon of 1728 on the financial situation
  • The young Louis holds a bed of justice for the first time in his parliament at Paris, September 12th 1715
    The young Louis holds a bed of justice for the first time in his parliament at Paris, September 12th 1715
  • The peasant under taille and corvee, showing the burden placed upon the peasantry under Louis XV's administration in 1765. The corvee forced labour was the most hated of all.
    The peasant under taille and corvee, showing the burden placed upon the peasantry under Louis XV's administration in 1765. The corvee forced labour was the most hated of all.
  • Voltaire, 24
    Voltaire, 24
  • Voltaire in 1778
    Voltaire in 1778
  • D’Alembert, born Paris 16 November 1717, mathematician and philosopher, died 29 October 1783.
    D’Alembert, born Paris 16 November 1717, mathematician and philosopher, died 29 October 1783.
  • Pierre Augusti Caron de Beaumarchais (1732-99), dramatist and politician. Wrote Barber of Saville and Marriage of Figaro.
    Pierre Augusti Caron de Beaumarchais (1732-99), dramatist and politician. Wrote Barber of Saville and Marriage of Figaro.
  • Luc de Clapiers Vauvenargues, moralist. Born Aug. 6th 1715, died 1747. His work through mildly deistic was suppressed.
    Luc de Clapiers Vauvenargues, moralist. Born Aug. 6th 1715, died 1747. His work through mildly deistic was suppressed.
  • Baron Grimm (1723-1807), German philosophic writer in French. After the revolution was appointed by Catherine of Russia as her minister in Hamburg.
    Baron Grimm (1723-1807), German philosophic writer in French. After the revolution was appointed by Catherine of Russia as her minister in Hamburg.
  • Condorcet, French philosopher and politician (1743-1794). In 1791 represented Paris in the National Assembly of which he became secretary. It was his motion in 1792 that all orders of nobility were abolished.
    Condorcet, French philosopher and politician (1743-1794). In 1791 represented Paris in the National Assembly of which he became secretary. It was his motion in 1792 that all orders of nobility were abolished.
  • Claude Adrien Helvetius (1715-1771), philosopher. In August 1758 he published a work on the mind which was condemned by Pope Clement XIII 1759 and burnt by order of Parliament.
    Claude Adrien Helvetius (1715-1771), philosopher. In August 1758 he published a work on the mind which was condemned by Pope Clement XIII 1759 and burnt by order of Parliament.
  • Denis Diderot (1713-1784) philosopher. In 1745 he published Philosophic Thought which was condemned to be burnt. He has been described as 'The Greatest Thinker of the Eighteenth Century'.
    Denis Diderot (1713-1784) philosopher. In 1745 he published Philosophic Thought which was condemned to be burnt. He has been described as 'The Greatest Thinker of the Eighteenth Century'.
  • Baron Turgot (1727-81).
    Baron Turgot (1727-81).
  • Volney (1757-1820), wealthy landlord, wrote and spoke for the division of landed property.
    Volney (1757-1820), wealthy landlord, wrote and spoke for the division of landed property.
  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)
    Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)
  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)
    Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)
  • Marie Antoinette at Accession, 1774?
    Marie Antoinette at Accession, 1774?
  • Louis XVI
    Louis XVI
  • Necker, a protestant banker born at Geneva. He opposed Turgot's free trade.
    Necker, a protestant banker born at Geneva. He opposed Turgot's free trade.
  • Necker: Controller General of Finances in June 1777. 1781 appealed to public opinion by publishing Compte Rendu, a statement of the affairs of France. Recalled in 1878. His second dismissal on 11 July 1789 was a direct cause of the fall of the Bastille.
    Necker: Controller General of Finances in June 1777. 1781 appealed to public opinion by publishing Compte Rendu, a statement of the affairs of France. Recalled in 1878. His second dismissal on 11 July 1789 was a direct cause of the fall of the Bastille.
  • Assembly of the notables held at Versailles, Feb. 22nd 1787.
    Assembly of the notables held at Versailles, Feb. 22nd 1787.
  • Louis XVI, 1785.
    Louis XVI, 1785.
  • Marie Antoinette, 1785.
    Marie Antoinette, 1785.
  • Diamond Necklace. The Court Jeweller set together stones to the value of £64,000. The Grand Almoner Cardinal De Rohan was arrested. Queen known as Madame Deficit.
    Diamond Necklace. The Court Jeweller set together stones to the value of £64,000. The Grand Almoner Cardinal De Rohan was arrested. Queen known as Madame Deficit.
  • Bed of justice held at Versailles, Aug. 6th 1787, to register the edicts for Calonne's taxes which the Parliament had resisted
    Bed of justice held at Versailles, Aug. 6th 1787, to register the edicts for Calonne's taxes which the Parliament had resisted
  • Promanade at the Palais Royal, 1787
    Promanade at the Palais Royal, 1787
  • Opening of the States General at Versailles, May 5th 1789
    Opening of the States General at Versailles, May 5th 1789
  • Clergy joins hands with the third estate: 'A peasant says shake hands Monsieur de Cure I know that you are on our side'
    Clergy joins hands with the third estate: 'A peasant says shake hands Monsieur de Cure I know that you are on our side'
  • Hall of the tennis court at Versailles where the oath of June 20th 1789 was taken
    Hall of the tennis court at Versailles where the oath of June 20th 1789 was taken
  • A coloured print which appeared in the early days of the States General
    A coloured print which appeared in the early days of the States General
  • Desmoulins, a popular journalist. When Necker was dismissed he placed a sprig of green in his [ ] as an emblem of hope. He was executed by the treachery of Robespierre, 1794
    Desmoulins, a popular journalist. When Necker was dismissed he placed a sprig of green in his [ ] as an emblem of hope. He was executed by the treachery of Robespierre, 1794
  • A copy of his [Camille Desmoulins'] paper
    A copy of his [Camille Desmoulins'] paper
  • Night of July 12th 1789
    Night of July 12th 1789
  • People commandeer the weapons stored at the Invalides on the day of the fall of the Bastille
    People commandeer the weapons stored at the Invalides on the day of the fall of the Bastille
  • Bastille falls July 14th 1789
    Bastille falls July 14th 1789
  • Arrest of de Launay
    Arrest of de Launay
  • Bailly Mayor of Paris was responsible with General Lafayette for marching upon the people. They acted with needless severity because there was no rioting going on when they arrived. The blood spilt sank deep in the hearts of the people.
    Bailly Mayor of Paris was responsible with General Lafayette for marching upon the people. They acted with needless severity because there was no rioting going on when they arrived. The blood spilt sank deep in the hearts of the people.
  • Bailly's death warrant
    Bailly's death warrant
  • The first fugitives
    The first fugitives
  • The abandonment of privileges at the National Assembly at the sitting on the night of Aug. 4th 1789
    The abandonment of privileges at the National Assembly at the sitting on the night of Aug. 4th 1789
  • The orgy of the Garde du Corps in the opera hall at Versailles Oct. 1st 1789
    The orgy of the Garde du Corps in the opera hall at Versailles Oct. 1st 1789
  • The return of the women of Paris after the journey to Versailles Oct. 5th 1789
    The return of the women of Paris after the journey to Versailles Oct. 5th 1789
  • The Rights of Man
    The Rights of Man
  • The women marching back from Versailles
    The women marching back from Versailles
  • Jacobin Club, formerly The Bretons Club. Society of Friends of Constitution.
    Jacobin Club, formerly The Bretons Club. Society of Friends of Constitution.
  • Women make offerings to the National Assembly Sept. 7th 1789
    Women make offerings to the National Assembly Sept. 7th 1789
  • The funeral pomp of the most powerful and magnificent seigneur clergy of France deceased the 2nd Nov. 1789 at the National Assembly
    The funeral pomp of the most powerful and magnificent seigneur clergy of France deceased the 2nd Nov. 1789 at the National Assembly
  • The Festival of the Champ De Mars, July 14th 1790
    The Festival of the Champ De Mars, July 14th 1790
  • The mob pillage the house of the Duc de Castries, Nov. 13th 1790
    The mob pillage the house of the Duc de Castries, Nov. 13th 1790
  • Mirabeau
    Mirabeau
  • Mirabeau
    Mirabeau
  • Louis XVI stopped at Varennes at eleven o'clock at night. Recognised by a retired soldier who recognised Louis by his effigy on an assignat
    Louis XVI stopped at Varennes at eleven o'clock at night. Recognised by a retired soldier who recognised Louis by his effigy on an assignat
  • Arrest of Louis at Varennes, June 22nd 1791
    Arrest of Louis at Varennes, June 22nd 1791
  • The massacre following the declaration of martial law on the Champs De Mars, July 17th 1791
    The massacre following the declaration of martial law on the Champs De Mars, July 17th 1791
  • Danton
    Danton
  • The King accepts the constitution, Sept 14th 1791
    The King accepts the constitution, Sept 14th 1791
  • Madame Roland
    Madame Roland
  • An allegory of 1791 on the German hospitality to the Emigres
    An allegory of 1791 on the German hospitality to the Emigres
  • The Counter Revolution. A satire which sold largely in Paris in 1791. No 8 is his Highness Le Petit Conde Cardinal Rohan. The remainder represent emigres nobility and clergy. The whole army remains impotent on the wrong side of the Rhine
    The Counter Revolution. A satire which sold largely in Paris in 1791. No 8 is his Highness Le Petit Conde Cardinal Rohan. The remainder represent emigres nobility and clergy. The whole army remains impotent on the wrong side of the Rhine
  • Assignat
    Assignat
  • The last constitutional procession of the refractory priests, 'long noses'. A satire on the interment of the Civic Oath, Aug. 31st 1792
    The last constitutional procession of the refractory priests, 'long noses'. A satire on the interment of the Civic Oath, Aug. 31st 1792
  • The elector of Treves learns that he must not protect the Emigres. His rage and despair at the threat of war
    The elector of Treves learns that he must not protect the Emigres. His rage and despair at the threat of war
  • A grand seance at the Jacobin Club on the declaration of war in 1792. The war minister Dumouriez is represented with a pigeon's head
    A grand seance at the Jacobin Club on the declaration of war in 1792. The war minister Dumouriez is represented with a pigeon's head
  • The powers threaten the national assembly with the terrors of war in 1792: a royalist caricature
    The powers threaten the national assembly with the terrors of war in 1792: a royalist caricature
  • The fateful 20th June: the people enter the Tuileries
    The fateful 20th June: the people enter the Tuileries
  • A satire on Lafayette's attempt to secure the Jacobins
    A satire on Lafayette's attempt to secure the Jacobins
  • The capture of the Tuileries Aug. 10th 1792
    The capture of the Tuileries Aug. 10th 1792
  • The Prussian retreat from the revolutionaries, 1793
    The Prussian retreat from the revolutionaries, 1793
  • Robespierre
    Robespierre
  • Louis
    Louis
  • Execution
    Execution
  • The advance guard of the Army of Moselle offer to the inhabitants the blessings of liberty and equality, 1793
    The advance guard of the Army of Moselle offer to the inhabitants the blessings of liberty and equality, 1793
  • Marat
    Marat
  • Marat
    Marat
  • Corday
    Corday
  • Marat in the bath dead
    Marat in the bath dead
  • Arrest of Corday
    Arrest of Corday
  • Marat: death picture
    Marat: death picture
  • Marat's paper
    Marat's paper
  • A revolutionary committee under the reign of terror, 1793-4
    A revolutionary committee under the reign of terror, 1793-4
  • Furniture of the Royal Family used in the Temple Prison
    Furniture of the Royal Family used in the Temple Prison
  • Marie Antoinette
    Marie Antoinette
  • Execution of Marie Antoinette
    Execution of Marie Antoinette
  • Arrest of Robespierre
    Arrest of Robespierre
  • The Devil and the Jacobin. The Devil having brooded over the ruins of a splendid empire (France) congratulates himself on his days work. 'A fig for your efforts' say his infernal better half, see my Jacobin. The Devil remains stupified
    The Devil and the Jacobin. The Devil having brooded over the ruins of a splendid empire (France) congratulates himself on his days work. 'A fig for your efforts' say his infernal better half, see my Jacobin. The Devil remains stupified
  • A satire against the Jacobins issued immediately after their fall: funeral procession of the Jacobins late our lords and masters
    A satire against the Jacobins issued immediately after their fall: funeral procession of the Jacobins late our lords and masters
  • Lazare Hoche
    Lazare Hoche
  • Louis XVII, 1792
    Louis XVII, 1792
  • A public audience of the directory, 1795
    A public audience of the directory, 1795
  • The whiff of grapeshot Oct 5th 1795
    The whiff of grapeshot Oct 5th 1795
  • Gracchus Babeuf
    Gracchus Babeuf
  • The triumph of the French Armies, 1797
    The triumph of the French Armies, 1797
  • The fete given to Bonaparte after the treaty of Campo Formio
    The fete given to Bonaparte after the treaty of Campo Formio
  • Abba Sieyes
    Abba Sieyes

[Document reference for this set of slides: MSS.15B/5/1/5]