A Letter to Young Historians

Greetings, Young Historians,

Like many of you, I went through a big phase where I was obsessed with all things French. I loved reading about how the fancy people of society lived, men and women like Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. What I overlooked, and what many history books don’t cover well, is the hardship that everyday people faced during this time.

When thinking about the past, it’s easy to imagine yourself living a wealthy life. The idea of attending grand parties thrown by the aristocracy, having servants, and sleeping in a grand room with curtains on your bed is much more fun than imagining what it must have been like for the average poor family. But to understand the French Revolution, it is important to learn about why the ordinary citizens of France were so unhappy and how their lives were vastly different from those of the aristocracy. The people wanted change, and they made it happen.

To this day, France is known for its revolutions. While it’s not always “pretty,” revolution can bring about powerful changes for normal people like you and me. I hope this issue helps you discover more about France’s rich history and inspires you to be a history maker yourself.

Keep on researching, and happy reading!

Best,