Final answer:
Expecting Trouble, Louis XVI called up mercenary troops, sparking a rebellion that led to a widespread emotional reaction known as 'The Great Fear'. This was an important period at the beginning of the French Revolution, leading to widespread civil unrest and significant political change.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer the question, when Louis XVI called up mercenary troops, expecting unrest, he sparked a rebellion that led to a widespread emotional reaction known as The Great Fear. This event was a critical moment during the beginning of The French Revolution. It escalated the growing discontent and fear among the French people, leading to widespread civil unrest and radical political changes.
The actual period of The Great Fear lasted for about two weeks, from July 17 to August 3, 1789. During this time, false rumors circulated that nobles in the countryside were hiring bandits to attack peasants and steal their grain. As a result, peasants armed themselves and attacked manor houses, often burning them to the ground. This revolt by the peasantry helped consolidate the gains made by the lower classes during the early days of the revolution and galvanized public support for revolutionary change.
It's essential to understand that these events were part of a much broader context of revolutionary momentum and discontent with the existing social and political order. The escalating effects of a national financial crisis, influenced by Louis XVI's extravagant spending, David's failings to provide relief during a series of poor harvests, and the influence of Enlightenment rhetoric of rights and liberties all played a pivotal role.
Learn more about The Great Fear