How Did The French Revolution Affect World History?
‘The National Assembly was established in 1789, and it was this assembly that marked the beginning of the French Revolution. It began by producing a document known as the ‘Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen,’ which guaranteed equal rights and advantages to all citizens of France. One of the revolution’s most significant achievements was the concept of offering people liberty and equality through the adoption of a constitution. When Napoleon invaded Europe in the 1800s, he imposed constitutions on the countries that he conquered, a practice known as a constitutional monarchy. Following Napoleon’s fall, Europe’s former rulers were able to recover their thrones. In many states, his constitutions were repealed, and state governments were returned to their original systems of governance. People’s recollections of what it was like to be ruled by a constitution, on the other hand, could not be erased by the authorities.
When it came to revolution, the French Revolution was a paradigm-shifting event. This event had an instant impact that may be felt in many parts of the world for years to come. A revolution occurred in practically every European country as well as in South and Central America as a result of this event. As a direct result of the Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, a number of significant transformations took place. Historically, radicals have been motivated by the French Revolution of 1789 to believe that revolutionary change may be achieved by widespread popular dissatisfaction. The French Revolution served as a constant reminder of the perils inherent in permitting ‘ordinary’ people to grab control of their own lives and property. In the course of the nineteenth century, it evolved into a symbol – either of inspiration or of threat – that dominated Europeans’ thinking throughout the continent. Europe will be engulfed by revolutionary upheavals in the years 1830 and 1848, respectively.
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At that time, there is a feeling that the revolution of 1789 is not yet complete and a determination to make an argument in support of notable Jacobin leaders (Robespierre, Babeuf) arises. Marx distinguished himself from the essentially political viewpoint of the French Revolution by establishing a distinction between bourgeois and proletarian revolutions.
The October Revolution in Russia, as well as the pro-revolutionary ideas espoused by Soviet officials and historians, had a significant influence on socialist movements in Europe at the time.
When it comes to the conservative revolution’s supporters, led by the Nazis, they criticize 1789 as a counter-model, therefore foreshadowing the model’s eventual collapse.
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In summary, the French Revolution had a considerable impact on this country, as indicated by changes in land ownership and the reduction in the political influence of the French Catholic Church. The French Revolution also gave birth to new ideas, including the formation of Sociology as a discipline, as well as the emergence of nationalist, libertarian, social-democratic, and eventually communist movements. It is common to bring up Russia’s October Revolution when we are talking about the implications of the French Revolution in World History. Nonetheless, it is less well-known that this event prompted other forms of revolutions in French colonies and territories, which fought for more rights and freedom, and that these revolutions eventually expanded to English, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese etc colonies as well. Years later, it will provide the opportunity for these people to ultimately achieve their independence.
What Can We Learn From The French Revolution Today?
The French Revolution had a profound effect on the course of human history. When we hear this word, we immediately think of words like “Liberty,” “Equality,” and “Fraternity,” which have become the country’s maxims. Additionally, the French Revolution is viewed as a liberating event that brought an end to centuries of tyranny by monarchies and other authoritarian states and restored the people’s power. This was accurate at the time and for many years afterward. If there is one lesson to be learned from the French Revolution, it is that regardless of the political context in which we find ourselves, there is always a way for us as individuals to break free from oppression and reclaim our dignity.
The French Revolution has become a symbol of the French Republic, and frequently a source of national pride for its citizens. It’s also not difficult to believe that this is one of the primary qualities of France that foreigners picture when they think of France. However, in recent years, the French Revolution, or more precisely, its long-term implications, has been questioned. France has long been known as the “Country of Human Rights,” but it appears as though this is no longer the case nowadays. Why?
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Because the Revolution established the separation of church and state and introduced the concept of universal human freedom and equality under the law. This may appear to be a good thing at first glance, but these ideas have been reinforced and even radicalized through the decades, and they are beginning to have the opposite effect: the people are losing their power.
In France, secularism refers to the policy of separating civil and religious societies within the state. Its most recent application was when the 2004 law was adopted. It was meant to facilitate migrants’ and foreigners’ assimilation into society. However, behind the term “migrants” was the term “Muslim,” in response to the issues associated with Algeria’s war and the revolts of the 1990s and 2000s. The law prohibits ostentatious signs: “in public schools, middle schools, and high schools, the wearing of signs or clothing that ostensibly demonstrate a pupil’s religious affiliation is prohibited.” However, religious signs are permitted as long as they are “discreet.” To some extent, it would have been preferable to outright restrict them. Of course, the people would have protested, but this concept of “discretion” highlights the taboo surrounding religion. Therefore, a believer is required to wear their cross, hijab, or turban “discreetly,” just as lovers are expected to love one another “discreetly” in public. What psychological torture! As a matter of taboo, you’ll observe that it elevates religion to the level of sex. This has created a sense of paranoia among the people, and the media is always debating such matters.
Indeed, religion has now become a taboo in France and it somehow is linked to the Enlightenment and the Revolution. During this period, philosophers such as Voltaire or Condorcet contributed to the birth of one theory, in particular, that of religion as a conspiracy. According to Enlightenment thinking, religions are populated by strange beliefs. The ruling classes deliberately keep the people in ignorance and ignorance feeds credulity. Religions were used as a tool of social conservatism to divide society into three orders (third state, clergy, nobility) Theory of the Enlightenment seems obscure to us and does not shed any light on the origin of religions. It is absurd to believe that all kings have always allied themselves with all priests, he says. Such an alliance would be truly miraculous, even more, miraculous than the miracles of religions. However, it is still an idea present in the French popular opinion and, in peculiar, in French political discourses.
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The government should allow more freedom to religion in order to reconcile state and religious discourse. Everyone should be free of practicing the religion they want without fearing judgments… It is the basis of the art of living together peacefully. Nevertheless, the secular French state now is imposing a “religion of no religion”. French secularism, which was the symbol of a whole nation and the pride of previous generations, is gradually becoming a shame and a burden that the new generation must carry on its shoulders.
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As most of every revolution leading by the people, the French one had obviously good and liberating impacts. However, we should all make sure that these values we are fighting for keep on being applied the right way in society, and that they don’t become a tool of oppression.
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Written By- Seoane Gabriel
