French Society In Revolution 1789 1799

This study plots a narrative course through the French Revolution examining the elements behind the breakdown of the 18th-century monarchic state. It presents a picture of the tensions throughout the revolutionary decade.

This study plots a narrative course through the French Revolution examining the elements behind the breakdown of the 18th-century monarchic state. It presents a picture of the tensions throughout the revolutionary decade.

A Marxist analysis of the causes and course of the French Revolution argues that it can be understood, on all levels, only in terms of class struggle.

Erupting out of the accumulated resentments against royal absolutism, the French Revolution forever destroyed a social order based upon aristocratic privilege. It became the central social and psychological fact in French history for the ensuing century. Yet is was far more. Its impact was felt throughout much of the continent; it became the rallying force for liberal reformers and the non-privileged social groups of Western Europe to whom its doctrines were already an unshakeable cause. In gripping narrative and readings, this book presents the most modern interpretation of what happened inside France and traces the impact of the Revolution on other nations.

This book provides a succinct yet up-to-date and challenging approach to the French Revolution of 1789-1799 and its consequences. Peter McPhee provides an accessible and reliable overview and one which deliberately introduces students to central debates among historians. The book has two main aims. One aim is to consider the origins and nature of the Revolution of 1789-99. Why was there a Revolution in France in 1789? Why did the Revolution follow its particular course after 1789? When was it 'over'? A second aim is to examine the significance of the Revolutionary period in accelerating the decay of Ancien Regime society. How 'revolutionary' was the Revolution? Was France fundamentally changed as a result of it? Of particular interest to students will be the emphasis placed by the author on the repercussions of the Revolution on the practives of daily life: the lived experience of the Revolution. The author's recent work on the environmental impact of the Revolution is also incorporated to provide a lively, modern, and rounded picture of France during this critical phase in the development of modern Europe.

The French Revolution of 1789 was the central event of modern history. For the first time a major nation fell prey to political and then social revolution, with civil war and the Reign of Terror following the execution of Louis XVI in January 1793. Although the Revolution started with the resistance of a minority to absolutist government, it soon spread to involve the whole nation, including the men and women who made up by far the largest part of it - the peasantry, as well as towns and craftsmen, the poor and those living on the margins of society. The French Revolution and the People is a portrait of the common people of France, in the towns and in the countryside; in Paris and Lyon; in the Vendee, Britanny, Provence. Popular grievances and reactions affected the events and outcome of the Revolution at all stages, and in turn everyone in France was affected by the Revolution. The French Revolution and the People is a vivid story of conflict, violence and death, but there were winners as well as losers and not all the suffering was in vain, as the injustices of the Ancien Regime were thrown off.

This packet covers the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. Special emphasis is given to the class struggles of 18th-century France which led to unprecedented social and political unrest. From the storming of the Bastille to the executions of Louis XVI and Robespierre, this volume vividly documents the dramatic events and key historical figures which shaped the course of this most volatile period of France's history. Challenging review questions encourage meaningful reflection and historical analysis. A unit test and answer key are included.