The Real Revolution

Marble Ruin From My Ancestral Home
In stark contrast to the many celebrations of all things French-like, I should like to give you a true glimpse into the French Revolution. 
When the Huguenots were forced to flee France, my ascendants came to the deep south. However, my relatives eventually returned to our ancestral home in France not long before the Revolution began.
The French Revolution
My ancestral home was looted.  Some things of value were taken, but most things of value were destroyed.  Books were burned.  Art was torn to shreds.  Marble was crushed.  The grounds, food, and flower gardens were trampled.  Their food was taken.

Results of the French Revolution

While the wealth of most noble families was taken from them, more French citizenry starved after the Revolution than before.  The nation’s wealth was taken from the nobility and kept by the government.  All homes were searched, and any food stores were taken to prevent hoarding.  The new French regime focused on “internal enemies,” French citizens who were critical of the government were hunted. 
The destruction of the Christian church was governmental policy.  Christians were under attack.  Churches were destroyed, and religious iconography was looted.  The Christian calendar was replaced.  Half of the Revolution’s executions were of the middle class,  and 38% of the Revolution’s executions were of the clergy.