Historical Significance of the French Revolution
Historians consider the French Revolution to be one of the biggest events in human history because of its impact on moral and political legacy (Furet 1981, p. 10). Revolutions typically occur when a long period of subjective economic and social occurrences dramatically reject required change. It had a significant impact on the formation of a new world order by influencing political ideas across all systems. It is because the revolution resulted in a conceptual shift in ruling systems as well as political innovation (Ball 1989, p. 333). The revolutions stem from the various systems of ideas that advocated for radical systematic variations in the oppressive regime. The concept of ideology is attributed to the occurrence of the French Revolution, a science of ideas that with immense impact on the way of thinking and education (Vincent 2009, p. 34). The concentration of power in the 16th century in France led to the formation of absolute monarchy influence by religion. The French revolution was ignited by the need reduce the power of the state which was majorly aristocratic with no limitation of authority (Mann 2012, p. 55).
Inspiration from British and American Revolutions
The French revolution derived its inspiration from other political systems in across the world. One of the primary motivators of the French Revolution was the British government and society which had an eloquent constitution that had a separation of powers and tolerated and protected the rights and freedoms of individuals (Furet 1981, p. 25). The American Revolution also played a large factor since it inspired French people on the repressive regime of the French monarchy and Napoleon Bonaparte’s dictatorship. The American Revolution also impacted upon the French revolution since it also led to the implementation of the constitution that advocated for the protection of individual rights and separation of powers (Fehér 1990, p. 34).
Political Conflict and Social Tensions
Political conflict of the tax reforms that the Monarchy established which were repressive and led to paralysis of the system and bankruptcy (de Tocqueville 2001). Also, there was increased tension and antagonism between the aristocratic society and
the bourgeoisie who were against the tax reforms introduced by the monarch. The introduction of a new taxing system was unfair for the middle class in the traditional French setting. Hence, Bourgeoisie wanted to safeguard their continuation of their economic supremacy in society. Bourgeoisie wanted political and social equity, a system that favored them. They believed in a meritocracy society where one’s status is defined by his or her ability and accomplishments rather than privileges. The Revolutionary thinking and action was their best way to ensure their economic development in the totalitarian system and maintained of their status quo.
Implications of the French Revolution
There was also peasant unrest that underwent the agrarian crisis that caused food crisis and shortage, therefore generating a widespread discontent against the regime (Furet 1981).Some of the implications of the French Revolution include: After the conclusion of the French revolution, it bread a radical school of thought that advocated for Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. These principles that sprung as a result of the French revolution built the foundation that would guide nations for the centuries that preceded.
Development of Nationalism
Nationalism was one of the long-term effects of the French revolution. Development of nationalism is because the revolution led to the elaboration of a self-conscious public who viewed themselves as national, sovereign, and independent (Dunn 1992, p. 65). Nationalism ideology was formed after the revolution as equality was integrated and the monarchical system was abolished (Dunn 1992, p. 67). Also, the development of nationalism ideology was because the natural rights and freedom were bestowed on all people regardless of the first ranks established by the system (Hobsbawm 2012, p. 121).
Birth of Liberalism
Liberalism was also another product of the French revolution; liberation meant freedom from oppression by the state. One of the instruments of oppression that was used by the Ancien Régime is the use of ‘lettres.’ Lettres were sealed orders by the king
that were commonly used to detain people without trial or the right procedures (de Tocqueville 2001, p. 45). The king and monarchy had unlimited power that was misused and violated, for example, the imprisonment of Voltaire for defamatory writing against the King (de Tocqueville 2001, p. 55). The state also censored publications that contained criticism against the church or the king. Torture was also used by the regime to intimidate opponents that were against the regime. After the revolution, the people have emancipated from the oppressive regime since new world order advocate for the enjoyment of one’s rights and freedoms.
Development of Republicanism
Republicanism is another ideology which sprung as a result of the French revolution. Before the revolution, most of the oppressive regimes believed and claimed that power from a supreme being, God. Hence the monarchy was the birthright of a few individuals that ran the nation. Enlightenment of the French people enabled them to challenge the preconceived ideas and led to the development of revolutionary thinking. Consequently, it led to the elaboration of the concept of popular sovereignty which advocates that governments originate their authority by the consent of the popular vote rather than God (Mann 2012, p. 79). Therefore, many democracies in this contemporary society have been developed by the ideologies of the French Revolution by democratically choosing their leader. Therefore, if a government fails its people, they have the right to replacement with candidates that the popular vote wants. The sources of power are people who choose the leader and give them power (Mann 2012, p. 77).
Rise of Political Radicalism
One of the greatest ripple effects of the French revolution was the ideology of political radicalism. The revolution inspired many nations to develop principles that focused on altering the conventional social structures that were oppressive and detrimental to the people (Fehér 1990, p. 78). The French were anti-clerical ruling that governed them for centuries. Revolutionist was against the Catholic clergy who were profiting from the system and taxation exemption (Mann 2012, p. 111). The clergy was also suppressed new ideas and neglected the need of the ordinary people. Suppression and subjections of people, therefore led to political radicalism to challenge the repressive system hence many nations learned from the French revolution because of the ideologies that sprung from it.
Impact on Law and Administration
The French Revolution also had a long-term effect on Law and administration in many countries across the world. The revolution affected the law since it led to the development of a constitution. Since the people were irritated by the failures of the kings, the revolution wanted a government that was supported by a solid foundation which was the constitution (Dunn 1992, p.76). A government runs by the law ended arbitration in decision making by the leaders.
Shift of Power to Ordinary Citizens
The French revolution did not increase, but reign in power of the state in Europe, since it was unable to establish a permanent system of governance. France itself would be ruled by two different empires, dictatorship and a monarchy due to many revolutions and people actions. Thus, the ideology of power shifted from the state to the ordinary citizens (Mann 2012, p. 139). Most people were aware of their rights and their ability to fight for them against an oppressing regime.
References
Ball, Terence, and Farr, James and Hanson, Russell L. 1989. Political innovation and conceptual change. New York: Cambridge University Press.
De Tocqueville, Alexis, and Bonner, John. 2001. The Old Regime and the Revolution, Volume II: Notes on the French Revolution and Napoleon. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Dunn, John. 1992. Democracy: The unfinished journey, 508 BC to AD 1993. London: Oxford University Press.
Fehér, Ferenc. 1990. The French revolution and the birth of modernity. Chicago: Univ of California Press.
Furet, Francois. 1981. Interpreting the French Revolution. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Hobsbawm, Eric J. 2012. Nations and nationalism since 1780: Programme, Myth, Reality. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Mann, Michael. 2012. The sources of social power: Volume 3, global empires and revolution, 1890-1945. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Vincent, Andrew. 2009. Modern political ideologies. London: John Wiley & Sons.
