Champ de Mars

Public space in Paris used for demonstrations and gatherings during the conflict.

The Champ de Mars is a large public greenspace located by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, which became significant during the French Revolution. It served as a site for political rallies and public events, including the famous Champ de Mars massacre in 1791, where troops opened fire on a crowd protesting against the King. The area became emblematic of the revolutionary spirit, symbolizing both popular mobilization and the tensions between the monarchy and the revolutionary government.

The Champ de Mars (located in Paris, near the Eiffel Tower) was a significant site during the French Revolution. It became a focal point for many pivotal events, including demonstrations and gatherings that influenced the course of the Revolution. On 17 July 1791, it was the location of the infamous Champ de Mars Massacre. This incident occurred after the National Constituent Assembly issued a decree that King Louis XVI would remain king under a constitutional monarchy, which many Parisians opposed.

A large crowd gathered on the Champ de Mars to sign a petition demanding the establishment of a republic. The protestors, led by figures such as Georges Danton and Camille Desmoulins, aimed to pressure the Assembly to take a more radical course. However, the assembly, along with the Paris Commune, was concerned about the growing unrest and potential violence.

In response, the National Guard (led by General Lafayette) was dispatched to maintain order. Tensions escalated when two supposed spies were found among the protesters and subsequently lynched. Lafayette's troops, facing an increasingly aggressive crowd, attempted first to disperse the assembly with warnings and blank shots. When the crowd refused to disperse, live ammunition was used, resulting in the deaths of dozens of demonstrators. The massacre marked a significant escalation in the revolution’s internal conflicts and deepened the divide between moderate revolutionaries and their more radical counterparts.

Following the massacre, the Champ de Mars continued to be a central location for revolutionary events. It witnessed various civic gatherings, celebrations, and significant revolutionary festivals. For instance, the Festival of the Supreme Being (organised by Maximilien Robespierre) was held there on 8 June 1794. The site persisted as a symbol of both revolutionary fervor and the violent struggles that characterised the period.

Did you know?

The Champ de Mars was the site of the first large-scale public meeting during the French Revolution, held on 14 July 1790 to commemorate the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille.
This public space, stretching approximately 800 meters long, served as a venue for grand festivals, military parades, and political demonstrations, making it a crucial hub for revolutionary fervor.
In 1791, the Champ de Mars was the location of the infamous insurrection against the National Assembly, where a large crowd clashed with troops, resulting in the deaths of many revolutionaries.
The field was named after the Roman god of war, Mars, reflecting its association with martial activities even before the Revolution; it was originally used for military training and exercises.
During the Revolution, the Champ de Mars became a symbol of the people's power and their right to assemble for critical discussions about the new political order.