The Great Frost of 1788 in France was an extraordinarily harsh winter that froze rivers solid and paralyzed grain mills, leading to critical food shortages. This severe weather event occurred just before the French Revolution, exacerbating existing social tensions and contributing to the unrest. The Great Frost highlighted the impact of climate on society and the economy, influencing public sentiment and political action in a time of significant change.

The Great Frost of 1788 in France inspired revolutionary street ballads and political poems that weaponized winter distress against the royal court. Poets like Jacques Roux and other revolutionary figures used their verses to articulate the plight of the starving populace, fueling the revolutionary spirit.