The bourgeoisie was about to grow as commerce increased and the industrial revolution had a larger and larger influence.
Appreciation of the individual was a far stronger trend in the French Revolution than class (Furet, 1989). Instead of class struggle and growing communist ideas, the French Revolution was arguably most influenced by the Enlightenment, particularly as expressed by Rousseau (Censer, 2003). Some historians view industry and commerce as being the strongest social influence at the time, as the middle class grew, industry expanded -- especially printing, which promoted the exchange of ideas and new importance for free speech, and the growth of commerce (Censer, 2003) more than social movements. This increased importance of the individual was also reflected in the desire to have more equitable access to the courts. The influence of seeing individuals as important, no matter what their class, is a pattern that exists throughout the events of the time in France.
The view of the French Revolution as an outgrowth of the Industrial Revolution and the growth of commerce might be quite a surprise to those who have heard the famous quote of Marie Antoinette, "Let them eat cake!" when told that people did not have bread to eat. However, that story is probably apocryphal (Barker, 1993). It did reflect the view of Marie Antoinette as a frivolous person who led a dissolute life, but French dissatisfaction with the Royals does not in itself make the Revolution a class struggle. View of her excesses, and in fact the excesses of all the Royals, in the face of increased taxation on people already struggling to feed their families, did justify popular anger against the king and queen, however (Barker, 1993). The Royals made some serious errors in not addressing the rumors they heard spread about themselves. By withdrawing and pretending those views did not exist or were irrelevant (Barker, 1993), they treated the people of France with disregard. Barker (1993) describes Marie Antoinette as someone with."..
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In conclusion, the French Revolution introduced not only in France but the entire western world to the concept of political revolution at the hands of the lower classes. It also provided some hard-earned lessons on what exactly makes up a democracy where all citizens are treated fairly and equally. In addition, the revolution brought to light the idea that a nation such as France is constructed of more than just
French Revolution For many people, the French Revolution was the single most important event in modern world history. In a manner of speaking, it's a unique turning point for the ailing French society of the time and Europe. But, the events transpiring in Bastille Fortress in July 1789 are still discussed. The storming is discussed often. Peter Mcphee is an Australian born academic author specializing in modern French history and French
French Revolution and Napoleon Napoleon and the French Revolution: How the Leader both Continued and Broke from the Aims of his Revolutionary Predecessors The French Revolution was a singular event in human history. Its importance to humankind is undeniable. The Revolution was both remarkable and horrific, in its scopes and its realities. As Charles Dickens wisely stated, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of
The Analysis However, it is the not past this point that this study needs to go, rather it is at this point that we need to stop and take into analyze the information that is cited here, and to see if that analysis takes us in other directions. There is really very little detailed information about the discussions and debate that might have surrounded the creation of the Civil Constitution of
French Revolution An Analysis of the Radical Phase of the French Revolution The French Revolution was almost extinguished in 1792. The economic reforms prompted by the Cahier of the Third Estate of Dourdan (29 March 1789) had only appeared to benefit the middle and upper classes of the Third Estate. Meanwhile, fearing the spread of revolt throughout all Europe, Prussian and Austrian forces were marching towards Paris to cut it off at
French Revolution Citizens known as sans-culottes or peasants in the countryside, their role in fueling the French Revolution is inestimable. However, it is quite important to emphasize throughout the paper the areas and periods of the Revolution where they helped trigger events and differentiate these periods from those where they were used as a manipulative mass by the political factions that were leading the country. Less evident for peasants, the manipulation
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