IGNOU HISTORY NOTES : History Of Modern Europe (Mid 18th to 20th Centuries)- RADICAL ACTION BY THE MASSES

IGNOU HISTORY Study Notes for IAS, UPSC Exams

History Of Modern Europe Mid 18th to Mid 20th Centuries

RADICAL ACTION BY THE MASSES

Structure

4.0 Objectives
4.1 Introduction
4.2  Revolutionary Overthrow of the Ancien Regime and Democratic Action
4.2.1 Economic Crisis and Popular Disturbances
4.2.2 Financial Collapse of the State and Political Crisis
4.2.3 Revolt of the Notables and Parlements
4.2.4 Calling of the Estates-General and the Coming oTRevolution
4 2 5 Role of Philosophers
4.2.6 Popular Participation in Overthrowing the Ancien Regime
4.3 Principles of Legitimation
4.3.1 The Jacobin Republic and Terror (1 792-94)
4.3.2 The 'J'hermidorian Republic (1 795-99)
4.4 Ideological Divisions and Contours of Party Politics
4.4.1 Constitutionalists Vs Republicans
4.4.2 Political Struggle Between the Girondins and the Montagnards
4.5 Let Us Sum Up
4.6 Key Words
4.7 Answers to Check Your Progress Exercises

4.0 OBJECTIVES

In this Unit we shall study the origins of the French Revolution and the significant features
of the revolutionary period. After reading this Unit you will be able to understand :

• how the economic crisis precipitated the revolution,
• the issues which mobilized the urban and rural force,
• the role of philosophers in providing an ideology,
• how the popular participation changed the course of revolutionary struggle,
• the democratic measures adopted by the national assembly and their implication,
• the principles of legitimation of the revolutionary government after the destruction of the old order, and
• the nature of political struggle which gave birth to political parties in France.

4.1 INTRODUCTION

'The French Revolution had made France a trailblazer in the domain of political culture. It
not only established new principles of politics and democracy which continued to
influence the European mind subsequently, it provided a new vocabulary of revolutionary
action. The revolutionary doctrines of liberty, equality and fraternity continue to hold a
special place even today in democratic societies the world over.
In order to understand what led to the complete overthrow of the feudal structure in France
along with monarchical government, it is necessary to have a brief background of the
diverse social interests supporting or opposing the Revolution. Besides studying the
immediate causes of the Revolution, it is necessary to know how the popular intervention
of the.menu-peuple (ordinary people) at crucial moments not only saved the Revolution
but also influenced its course. The democratic action of the Third Estate laid dawn new
principles of legitimacy. The crowd's direct action in 1792 pushed the Revolution towards
a democratic Republic and revolutionary ideology and politics led to the formation of a
. rudimentary form of political parties. 

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