It is the height of the French Revolution. The "Reign of Terror" is in full swing, and as many of the other women in the city, I fear for my own life. It is the late summer of 1792 in Paris when all-out war erupts. Mobs roam the streets, looking for any and all whom oppose the new uprising government. Many women, children, and others have been thrown in prison for their conflicting views. On the 10 August, 1792, the Republicans(Sans-Culottes) besieged the Tuileries Palace. The other women and I looked on in horror. They arrived 20,000 men strong, with 12 cannons in tow. The Swiss Guard and few members of the Royalist National Guard were no match for the Republicans. The battle was resolved with relative haste. 600 of the soldiers who sided with King Louis XVI were killed, and 200 captured. Those 200 militants were later massacred with 1000 other men, women, and young boys. Even though we have now eliminated all remnants of the monarchy, the citizens of Paris are still struggling to gain the freedom and rights they have wanted for so long.
A Working Woman
Milan Toljan
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