The Great Fear was a period of panic and unrest that occurred in France during the summer of 1789, shortly after the start of the French Revolution. It was characterized by widespread rumors that the nobility were planning to suppress the revolution and retaliate against the common people. This led to fears of violence and retribution, causing peasants to arm themselves and attack the estates of the aristocracy. As a result of these fears, many rural communities experienced uprisings, with peasants burning chateaux and destroying feudal documents. The Great Fear contributed to the collapse of the old feudal order and helped to galvanize revolutionary sentiments across France, ultimately leading to significant social and political changes.