Upheaval

In 1789, the French Revolution breaks out French society of the XVIIIth century lives through serious social, economic and political problems.  Social inequities tied to the “privileged class” become insupportable for the people while the political responses are unsuitable.  This tension crystallizes in 1789 by a revolution that will forever mark European society.

For having been far too long associated with these privileged classes, the Catholic Church and the nobility are widely persecuted.  Julie and Françoise are, therefore, victims of the Revolution; one for her religious convictions and her fidelity to the Church, the other for her social status. 

As terrible as it might be, this period enables the meeting between Julie and Françoise, so different in their education and their social class. 

Timeline:

1789 (14 July): Storming of the Bastille
1789 (4 August):  Suppression of the privileges of the nobility and the clergy
1789 (26 August): Confiscation of the goods of the clergy in order to solve the state’s financial problem.
1790:  Civil Constitution of the Clergy: the clergy becomes a corps of state employees, paid and chosen by the state; the latter must take an oath of fidelity to the nation.

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