 | This articleis written like apersonal reflection, personal essay, or argumentative essay that states a Wikipedia editor's personal feelings or presents an original argument about a topic. Pleasehelp improve it by rewriting it in anencyclopedic style.(July 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
TheRéveillon riots between 26 and 29 April 1789[1] centered in theSt. Antoine district of Paris where a factory which produced luxury wallpaper was owned byJean-Baptiste Réveillon. The factory employed around 300 people.[2]
Protests began after rumors spread that the owner had made a speech stating that workers, many of whom were highly skilled, were to be paid lower wages and, as a result, there would be lower prices. Workers were concerned with food shortages, high unemployment, and low wages after a difficult winter in 1788. However, Réveillon was known for his benevolence towards the poor.[3]
While the protesters did not manage to destroy the factory, which was being guarded by a group of around fifty troops, a factory owned by thesaltpetre manufacturer Henriot was destroyed after he made similar comments. However Réveillon's factory was destroyed a day later as was his home.[4] The riot killed 25 people.[4]
