Equality

Equality (égalité) was a central tenet of the French Revolution, deeply influencing its ideology and actions. The concept was enshrined in various foundational documents, most notably the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, adopted on 26 August 1789. This declaration proclaimed that "men are born and remain free and equal in rights," a revolutionary assertion challenging the hierarchical structures of the Ancien Régime (a political and social system in France before the Revolution).

One of the key manifestations of the drive for equality was the abolition of feudal privileges. On the night of 4 August 1789, the National Constituent Assembly formally abolished the seigneurial system, which had granted nobles numerous economic and social privileges, thereby eliminating feudal dues and tithes previously imposed on the peasantry. This action sought to establish equal rights and duties among all citizens, contributing to the disintegration of the traditional social stratification.

Another significant development was the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, enacted on 12 July 1790, which aimed to bring the Catholic Church under state control. The law required clergy to swear an oath of loyalty to the Constitution, effectively reducing the Church's political power and redistributing its wealth and influence. This move sought to equalize the relationship between the Church and the state, further eroding the traditional societal hierarchy.

The revolutionary government also introduced egalitarian principles in its legal system. The Le Chapelier Law of 14 June 1791 prohibited guilds and all other forms of associations among workers. This law aimed to eliminate any intermediaries between the state and the individual, suggesting that all citizens should engage in trade and commerce on an equal footing. However, it also had the unintended consequence of restricting workers' rights to organize and strike, creating a tension between the ideal of equality and the reality of economic conditions.

Education reform was another domain where the ideals of equality were pursued. The Convention decreed on 19 December 1793 that education should be free and accessible to all, regardless of social status or wealth. This policy aimed to break the monopoly of education held by the nobility and the clergy, striving to provide equal opportunities for all citizens in acquiring knowledge and skills.

In the realm of gender equality, revolutionary leaders made less progress. Despite the fervent advocacy of figures like Olympe de Gouges, who penned the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen in 1791, women largely remained excluded from political rights. The revolutionaries' concept of equality was primarily focused on men, reflecting the prevailing gender norms of the era.

Overall, equality during the French Revolution was a multifaceted and evolving principle, addressing various aspects of social, economic, and political life. While many strides were made toward dismantling the entrenched inequalities of the old regime, the practical implementation of equality often faced significant challenges and limitations.

• The motto of the French Revolution, "Liberté, égalité, fraternité" (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity), emphasized the radical transformation of society; however, achieving true equality remained a challenging endeavor throughout the revolution.
• Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, adopted on 26 August 1789, declared all men were born free and equal; intriguingly, this declaration did not extend rights to women or slaves, highlighting the limitations of the notion of equality at that time.
• During the revolution, the concept of equality was often misinterpreted; for instance, many radicals believed in economic equality, leading to the establishment of policies that aimed to equalize wealth rather than merely legal rights.
• The Reign of Terror (1793-1794) paradoxically aimed to enforce equality through harsh measures; thousands were executed or imprisoned under the belief that eliminating enemies of the revolution would ensure equality among the citizenry.
• Notably, while property rights were regarded as a measure of social inequality, radical leaders like Jean-Paul Marat argued that true equality required complete redistribution of resources among the populace.