Question

Who were Sans Culottes?

Answer 1

Sans-culottes, literally means ‘those without knee breeches. They were Jacobins who wore a particular kind of dress to proclaim the end of power wielded by wearers of knee breeches.

• A large group of people among Jacobins wanted to set themselves apart from the fashionable sections of society, especially nobles, who wore knee breeches.
• Hence they people decided to start wearing long striped trousers similar to those worn by dock workers.
• In addition the red cap was worn by Sans-Culottes men that symbolized liberty.

Jacobins

• In France, people who mainly belonged to the less prosperous sections of society were members of Jacobin club.
• People who worked as daily-wage workers, servants, shoemakers, printers, watch-makers, pastry cooks were Jacobins.

Important Dates – in French History

1774

• Louis XVI becomes king of France. He was facing increasing discontent within society and the king had to face the issue of empty treasury.

1789

• Convocation of Estates General takes place.
• National Assembly is formed by Third Estate.
• Revolt of peasants takes place in the countryside. Bastille was stormed.

1791

• A constitution was framed. It was framed to guarantee the basic rights to all human beings and to limit the powers of the king.

1792-93

• The King is beheaded.
• France becomes a Republic.
• France is ruled by a Directory, the Jacobin Republic is overthrown.

1804

• Napoleon becomes emperor of France, large parts of Europe is annexed.

1815

• Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo.

Articles to Explore:

1. Explain the condition of women in France before and after the French revolution
2. What are the main causes of the French revolution?
3. What is the french revolution?