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"La Chalotais" Affair

In the spring of 1765, the regional conflict between the Breton Parlement and the King spilled over to a higher level when the Parlement of Paris took up the case of Breton parlementary ally La Chalotais and began issuing its own remonstrances defending the regional Parlement’s power (issued 3 Ma

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"Constitution of 1793"

The primary task of the Convention, when seated in the fall of 1792, had been to draft a new, republican constitution.

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"Admission of Jews to Rights of Citizenship," 27 September 1791

After several tumultuous discussions about the Jewish communities still excluded from political rights, the National Assembly finally voted to regularize the situation of all the different Jewish communities on 27 September 1791.

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The Marseillaise (War Song for the Army of the Rhine)

Composed by Joseph Rouget de Lisle when he learned that France had declared war on Austria, the Marseillaise quickly became the anthem of the republican Revolution. it remains the French national anthem today.

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The Carmagnole

Sharing its name with a popular dance, this song heaps scorn upon the queen (Madame Veto), believed to be a traitor, and the "aristocrats" who support her.

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The Alarm of the People

Composed by J.M. Souriguieres, a parisian dramatist, and Pierre Gaveaux, an actor, this song demands revenge for the crimes and bloodshed of the Terror.

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Te Deum for the Federation of July 14, 1790 at the Champ de Mars

A hymn written by Joseph Gossec to celebrate national unity on the first anniversary of the taking of the Bastille.

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Song of the Marseillaise of the Federation of 10 August, Year II

One of many hymns that was composed by rhyming new lyrics to the wildly popular tune of the "Marseillaise," this song was performed at a festival celebrating the first anniversary of the republican revolution of August 10.

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Song for the Festival of Old Age

This song was composed for one of the many Directorial festivals that were not overtly political. Several, like the festival for which this song was composed, celebrated important moments in the life cycle.

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Patriotic Song on the Unveiling of the Busts of Marat and Le Pelletier (1793)

This song illustrates the fluid boundary between "high" and "popular" musical forms. Althought these lyrics were set to a new composition by Joseph Gossec, they could also be sung to a tune already familiar to many French men and women.