Western History 138: Was the French Revolution largely a Positive or Negative Development?

A bit of both.

Here are the Positives:

·         It brought to an end a corrupt monarchy and the equally complicit First and Second Estates;

·         The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789) which introduced natural rights (that are universal) into the continental framework - this would help in the development of both freedom and democracy;

·         It strengthened the French National character (gave the Third Estate more power);

·         Meritocracy was given breathing room to evolve at the expense of elitist privilege;

·         Women’s voices were actively heard through such action as the March of the Women on Versailles;

·         It limited the power of the clergy in France;

·         It provided a framework for the reorganization of France politically (into more structured departments);

·         It would provide a catalyst to challenge monarchical autocracy throughout the continent;

·         French law would be reformed on a more equitable basis.

·         Necessary modifications took place to the taxation system in France.

·         From a learning perspective - It allowed us to see the ramifications of a positive movement being engulfed by a radical intolerant ideology.

And now for the Negatives

·         It ultimately lead to the Rise of Napoleon and the Coalition Wars that would engulf Europe (and elsewhere) until 1815;

·         The Revolution was hijacked by a destructive ideology (Jacobinism) that would eventually culminate in the establishment of a police state;

·         Group Identity politics dominated much of its proceedings - although it appeared to champion individualism the Revolution in practice centered on group politics;

·         It was the mother of Far Leftism - Marxist-Leninism owes a great deal of gratitude to the Revolution's earlier fellow travelers.