Reflections on the Revolution

NORMAN GASH

The French Revolution, whose bicentennial is commemorated this year, was so comprehensive, concentrated, and brutal that it became a standard by which all later revolutions were judged. Yet in 1789 France was the largest, wealthiest, and most powerful state in Western Europe. Its writers dominated the European intellect; its bourgeoisie was strong and prosperous; its peasants owned two-fifths of the land and cultivated nearly all of it. What reason was there for revolution? One answer was supplied by Napoleon. Vanity, he said—liberty was only a pretext. One can see the argument. The aristocracy, only 2 per cent of the population, enjoyed a privileged position which their actual services to the state hardly seemed to justify. What the urban and professional middle classes clearly wanted was greater social recognition, easier access to rank and power, and wider careers for their talents. Ambition and envy are impelling motives.

Featured Tags

NORMAN GASH

The French Revolution, whose bicentennial is commemorated this year, was so comprehensive, concentrated, and brutal that it became a standard by which all later revolutions were judged. Yet in 1789 France was the largest, wealthiest, and most powerful state in Western Europe. Its writers dominated the European intellect; its bourgeoisie was strong and prosperous; its peasants owned two-fifths of the land and cultivated nearly all of it. What reason was there for revolution? One answer was supplied by Napoleon. Vanity, he said—liberty was only a pretext. One can see the argument. The aristocracy, only 2 per cent of the population, enjoyed a privileged position which their actual services to the state hardly seemed to justify. What the urban and professional middle classes clearly wanted was greater social recognition, easier access to rank and power, and wider careers for their talents. Ambition and envy are impelling motives.