12/11/2024
On November 29, we took a train from Paris to the Palace of Versailles, a journey steeped in historical significance. It evoked memories of a pivotal event from 1789—an extraordinary moment of collective action that shaped the course of French history.
During that year, France faced widespread food shortages due to poor harvests, and bread, a staple of the French diet, had become prohibitively expensive. On October 5, 1789, an outraged group of Parisian women gathered at the City Hall, demanding bread. Their frustration resonated with others, and soon they were joined by revolutionary sympathizers and armed men from the National Guard.
Up to 10,000 marchers set off through the rain toward Versailles, the grandiose palace where King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette resided. The group, carrying weapons like pikes and muskets, advanced with chants for bread.
Upon their arrival, the women stormed the gates of Versailles, their anger focused on Marie Antoinette. Known for her extravagant tastes, including opulent clothing, jewels, and lavish parties, she had become a symbol of the monarchy’s perceived indifference to the plight of the poor.
Faced with the intensity of the protesters, King Louis XVI was forced to meet their demands. He agreed to sign the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, a landmark document of the French Revolution. Under immense pressure, the royal family was compelled to leave Versailles and relocate to Paris, escorted by the marchers. This moment marked the symbolic death of the Ancien Régime, signaling the monarchy's loss of absolute power on October 6, 1789.
A Chinese saying aptly captures the essence of the Women's March on Versailles: "水能载舟，亦能覆舟" (Shuǐ néng zài zhōu, yì néng fù zhōu), meaning 'Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it.' This proverb symbolizes the power of the people (water) to support or overthrow a government (boat) based on its governance. The Women's March on Versailles is a striking historical example of the people rising up to challenge and topple a monarchy that had failed to meet their needs.
The Women’s March on Versailles, 235 years ago, stands as a powerful example of the ability of marginalized voices to challenge entrenched systems of power. It demonstrates the potential of collective action to demand justice and change.
While today’s social movements operate in vastly different contexts, the underlying principles of courage, solidarity, and the pursuit of equality remain as relevant as ever. The legacy of those women who marched through the rain reminds us that history often shines on the determination of ordinary people who dare to demand a better world.