Origins of the French Revolution - 2047 Words

Both Bossenga and Andress offer interesting and well-supported perspectives on the origins of the French Revolution and the reasons it came about. Bossenga purports that the public fervor of the time had little to do with the actual revolution, other than providing bodies for insurrection. Rather, the institution of the royal state was an inherently flawed one by the reign of Louis XVI, to the extent that only a full revolution would effectively produce solutions to the problems of the ancien regime. Andress places a greater emphasis on the will of the people as an effective mechanism for change. His belief is that the French Revolution offered an effective convergence of enough political, social and economic turmoil to incite a popular†¦show more content†¦This created â€Å"group individualism† which meant that the nobility, among other groups, unified to protect their privileges, despite royal attempts to fracture the group. Through this concept, and the negative i nteractions with the crown, the foundation of a revolution based on equality was born. The traditional court of Louis XVI presented a serious barricade to reform on the eve of the revolution. Starting with Louis XIV, it became the ultimate symbol of royal authority, and blurred the line between the political and familial within the court (Bossenga, 1301). Furthermore, even after the role of intendants increased in political and economic importance, there still existed a significant amount of nepotism and favoritism in the selection of these roles. The role of ministers was often chosen of the same ilk, based on the sovereignty of the king, which led to division within the court. Often, especially in finance, the court played a central role in the blocking of reform, with Necker’s original relief of duty and Calonne’s calling of the Assembly of Notables primary examples (Bossenga, 1304). Bossenga also argues that â€Å"serious conflict between the monarchy and parlements was not endemic to politics in the eighteenth century, but developed primarily as a r esult of ministerial rivalries at Versailles,† (Bossenga, 1301). Many regard Louis XVI to haveShow MoreRelatedOrigins of the French Revolution4242 Words   |  17 PagesORIGINS OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION The causes of the French Revolution of 1787-1789 (Solà © 3) is a subject worthy of investigation because the revolt is an event of crucial importance in Western History. It marked the end of feudalism and the beginning of democracy in France, and can be seen as a turning point for liberty in Europe. To quote the German author Goethe, ‘From this place, and from this day, commences a new era in the world’s history’ (Wright 2). In 1774 when Louis XVI ascendedRead MoreThe Economic Origins of the French Revolution2747 Words   |  11 PagesThe inflated opinion the French monarchy had about themselves and other nobles lent itself to how they contributed to and handled the economic downturn in France for centuries prior to the French Revolution. Forming the foundation of many of France’s financial issues, the monarchial system granted royals and the nobles who surrounded them the ability to feel as if they are intended to be superior to the rest of France, a men tality that would last until the French Revolution began. With this monarchialRead MoreThe Influence of Rationalism on the French Revolution1509 Words   |  7 PagesApril 2013 The Influence of Rationalism on the French Revolution What was the driving force behind the French Revolution? 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Due to these large taxations on the peasants and lower class and not on the clergy and nobles it caused excessive conflict betweenRead MoreComparing The American Revolutionary War and The French Revolution894 Words   |  4 Pagesescape religious intolerance. The Huguenots, who were French Protestants, fled to the colonies as well since they were suffering at the hands of the Catholic Church. So both nations had issues with religion. The French were more impacted by the power of the Church and property rights, which is why there was a lot of issues with the Catholic Church. They didn’t appreciate how the Catholic Church did not h ave to pay taxes. With the French Revolution in France, power went to the state. It was no longerRead MoreThe French Revolution And The Enlightenment1471 Words   |  6 Pagespower. Power now in the hands of the people. Through bloodshed, the radical actions of the French Revolution sparked by philosophies of Enlightenment, will impact the future. Historical figures such as Robespierre heading the Great Assembly will drive change in culture through the revolution, in hopes of achieving enlightened societies. The 18th century marks the beginning of modern history. The French revolution playing a role in furthering Enlightenment, will led to a chain of events that will changeRead MoreThe French Revolution And The 19th Century871 Words   |  4 PagesThe French Revolution took place in the late 18th century which undermined the traditional monarchy of France as well as the hereditary aristocracy. The Enlightenment was an important origin of the French Revolution as people wanted the government to provide natural rights to individuals. They did not seek a violent revolution, however so individuals had strong beliefs in the Enlightenment ideas which led to a revolt. A few important factors had a major impact on the origin of the revolution includingRead MoreIncredible British and French Revolution1701 Words   |  7 Pagesthe eighteenth century was the beginning of Europe’s two incredible revolutions which are the British and French Revolutions. The British Revolution is very different from the French Revolution. Many different events and issues led up to the British and French Revolutions that make them different from one another. For example the primary factor that led to the British Revolution was the power of religion. While, the French Revolution was based upon feudalism as well as the inequality of the third estateRead MoreTo What Extent Was The Enlightenment The Main Driving Force Behind The American And French Revolutions?1479 Words   |  6 Pag esfocuses on the causes of Atlantic Revolutions and will explore the question: To what extent was the Enlightenment the main driving force behind the American and French Revolutions? The years 1685 to 1815 (Strayer, 2011) will be the focus of this investigation to allow for an analysis of the Enlightenment ideas’ impact the need for governmental change in the American colonies and France during the eighteenth century, as well as their governmental influences post-revolutions. †¯ The first source whichRead MoreEssay on Causes and Effects of The French Revolution1402 Words   |  6 PagesThe French Revolution was a time of great social, political and economic tumult in the closing years of the Eighteenth Century. The motivators pushing French citizenry toward revolution are varied in scope and origin. They range from immediate economic woes to an antiquarian class structure. Modern historians still debate the value of the changes that the revolution brought to modern society. The middle class made gains that would never be rescinded, but do revolutions always end in tyranny? In the