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Nature and Character of the French Revolution

The French Revolution was a significant period of social and political change in France that lasted from 1789 to 1799, marking the end of the ancien régime. It was a time of great upheaval, with the rise of new social classes and the decline of old ones. The Revolution was later continued by Napoleon during the expansion of the French Empire.

Nature of French Revolution | History Optional for UPSC (Notes)

There are different perspectives on the nature and character of the French Revolution:
View I: Social Revolution:

  • According to this perspective, the French Revolution was primarily a social revolution that transformed French society.
  • The rising capitalist middle class, known as the bourgeoisie, overthrew the declining feudal autocratic ruling class.
  • Under this view, the French Revolution is also seen as a Bourgeoisie Revolution, being anti-feudal and anti-autocratic.

View II: Four Revolutions:
This perspective argues that the French Revolution involved four distinct revolutions:

  • Aristocratic Revolution
  • Bourgeoisie Revolution
  • Sans-culottes Revolution
  • Peasant Revolution

View I: Aristocratic Revolution

  • Between 1787 and 1789, leading up to the French Revolution in June 1789, a period known as the Aristocratic Revolution occurred.
  • France was facing a severe financial crisis, which necessitated financial reforms. Various financial experts, including Turgot, Necker, Colonne, Brienne, and Necker again, proposed reform measures.
  • However, these proposals were met with resistance from the aristocracy, who were unwilling to pay higher taxes.
  • This led to a bitter struggle between the aristocracy and the monarchy from 1787 until April 1789, with the aristocracy revolting against the regime.
  • The Aristocratic Revolution is viewed as a precursor to the actual revolution, rather than a revolution in itself.

Question for Nature of French Revolution
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Which revolution is considered a precursor to the actual French Revolution?
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View II: Bourgeoisie Revolution

  • In May 1789, the Estates General was convened, and the Bourgeoisie emerged as leaders of the revolution, marking the start of the Bourgeoisie Revolution.
  • As the revolution progressed, peasants and the sans-culottes (working-class citizens) also joined the uprising.
  • By June 1789, the Bourgeoisie and lower classes united in a common action against the monarchy and aristocracy, reflecting the crisis of the old regime in France.
  • Although each class played a distinct role, the French Revolution was the culmination of a long economic and social evolution that ultimately elevated the Bourgeoisie to a dominant position, not just in France but globally.

View III: Political Revolution

  • Some scholars argue that the French Revolution was primarily a political revolution rather than a social one.
  • They contend that feudalism was already in decline before the revolution and that the Bourgeoisie did not play a significant role in pre-1789 France.
  • According to this view, the revolution was a struggle against the monarchy and aristocracy, driven by a financial and political crisis.
  • It aimed to establish control over the government and the conditions under which it operated, rather than fundamentally transforming society.

  • The French Revolution is characterized by its popular character, with significant involvement from common citizens.
  • Key events include the Tennis Court Oath on June 20, 1789, the Fall of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, the Formation of National Guards under Lafayette, and various peasant revolts in July and August 1789.
  • Participation of women was also crucial, with events like the Women’s March on Versailles in October 1789 and the Soap Riots, where women protested against rising soap prices.
  • Women actively asserted their political rights and formed societies, such as the Society for Revolutionary Republican Women, advocating for their demands.
  • Commoners, including shopkeepers, laborers, and artisans, played a vital role, particularly during the attack on the Bastille on July 14, 1789, and in subsequent protests against the monarchy and for price controls.
  • Under the Jacobins, commoners gained rights, including the right to vote, and were involved in various revolutionary movements.

Question for Nature of French Revolution
Try yourself:
Which event during the French Revolution is characterized by significant involvement of common citizens, including women and laborers?
View Solution

View V: Role of Intelligentsia

  • Some historians emphasize the role of the intelligentsia, such as Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Voltaire, in shaping the ideas that fueled the French Revolution.
  • From this perspective, the revolution is seen as a transformation in the realm of ideas, driven by the intellectual contributions of these thinkers.

View VI: Part of Atlantic Revolution

  • The French Revolution is viewed as part of a larger phenomenon known as the Atlantic Revolution.
  • This perspective suggests that the revolution was not an isolated event but rather part of a trans-Atlantic wave of revolutionary sentiment.
  • Revolutionary ideas first emerged in America and then spread to various regions, including Geneva, the Netherlands, Ireland, and eventually France.
  • The revolutionary fervor continued to spread to the Netherlands, Rhine land, Switzerland, and the Italian states, making the French Revolution a significant part of this broader Atlantic context.

Regardless of the perspective taken, the French Revolution is regarded as a watershed moment in history that profoundly changed the course of events in the following decades.

The document Nature of French Revolution | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) is a part of the UPSC Course History Optional for UPSC (Notes).
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FAQs on Nature of French Revolution - History Optional for UPSC (Notes)

1. What were the main characteristics of the French Revolution as an Aristocratic Revolution?
Ans. The French Revolution can be viewed as an Aristocratic Revolution because it involved the overthrow of the monarchy and the privileges of the nobility. The revolution was initiated by the discontent among the aristocracy who sought to limit the absolute power of the king and to establish a constitutional government. The nobles played a significant role in the early stages of the revolution, pushing for reforms that would benefit their class while challenging the existing feudal structures.
2. How did the Bourgeoisie contribute to the French Revolution?
Ans. The Bourgeoisie, or the middle class, were instrumental in the French Revolution as they sought to improve their social and economic standing. They were frustrated by the existing feudal privileges held by the nobility and the lack of political power. The Bourgeoisie advocated for Enlightenment ideals such as liberty, equality, and fraternity, leading to the demand for a representative government. Their influence was significant in the formation of revolutionary ideas and the eventual establishment of a republic.
3. In what ways can the French Revolution be characterized as a Political Revolution?
Ans. The French Revolution can be characterized as a Political Revolution because it fundamentally altered the political landscape of France. It resulted in the dismantling of the absolute monarchy and the establishment of a republic. The revolution introduced new political concepts such as popular sovereignty and the rights of man, leading to the creation of a democratic government. The shift in power from the monarchy to the people marked a significant change in governance and political authority.
4. What role did popular movements play in the French Revolution?
Ans. Popular movements played a crucial role in the French Revolution, as they were driven by the common people who sought to challenge the existing social and political order. The participation of the masses in events such as the Storming of the Bastille and the Women's March on Versailles highlighted the popular character of the revolution. These movements emphasized the demands for social justice, economic equality, and political representation, demonstrating that the revolution was not only an elite endeavor but also a grassroots uprising.
5. How did the Intelligentsia influence the French Revolution?
Ans. The Intelligentsia, composed of writers, philosophers, and intellectuals, significantly influenced the French Revolution by disseminating Enlightenment ideas that challenged traditional authority. Figures like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu inspired revolutionary thought by advocating for reason, individual rights, and social contracts. Their works motivated the educated classes and the general populace to question the status quo, ultimately fostering an environment ripe for revolutionary change and shaping the ideological foundation of the movement.
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