Political Influence Of The French Revolution Flashcards
Define established order
The class that holds power, which is strengthened by social links, and.the generally holds conservative and conventional views
Briefly describe the French Revolution
By 1789, the absolute monarchy in France was economically bankrupt. The ancien regime came under attack from common people who forced change when parliament met in may 1789. Initially, they established a constitutional monarchy, by the revolution grew more extreme by 1792 and a republic was formed
What does Adam Briggs argue was the main consequence of the French Revolution?
That the government took a step backwards from reform toward repression
What does Briggs think the three reasons radicals failed to enact reform were?
- the feelings of the majority outweighed the influence of radical societies
- supporters of established order were well organised and were able to convince the public radical reforms were not in societies interests
- the ugly events in France upset most decent minded people and made them fear reform
Briefly describe Edmund Burke
Politician renounced for his proclamations on political events. He sympathised the American colonies during the war of independence. He supported limiting the power and patronage of the king. He spoke out vehemently against the French Revolution in 1789.
What was Pitts initial response to the French Revolution?
Believed the internal strife would internally occupy France so European peace wouldn’t be disturbed. His response was cautious but there was no sense of alarm
What did foxes Whigs initially think of the French Revolution?
They hailed it as a victory for democracy and freedom, viewing it as a French version of the glorious revolution, curving the powers of an autocratic monarchs nd holding the church to account
Why did protestant dissenters support the revolution?
They thought it might open the way to more religious toleration and end discrimination against them.
What did Edmund Burke say about the French Revolution?
Laid out his serious misgivings in reflections on the revolution in France. He warned that revolution would lead to bitter bloodshed. Burke was largely mocked for what was seen as an overreaction.
What did the aristocracy think of the French Revolution?
They feared a potential uprising from the mob.
What is a corresponding society?
A predominantly working class political society, set up to encourage discussion of political issues by corresponding with members of similar associations and to advance the cause of democratic reform
Define seditious libel
Published writings directed against the state that are intended to cause disorder
Briefly describe Tom Paine
Pressed for greater rights and freedoms for already me. Dissenter. Said the state should take responsibility for welfare. Charged with seditious libel for hai republican views expressed in the rights of man. Fled to France and his influence continued to spread among working class men
Briefly describe Thomas Hardy
Believes the political system was corrupt and working men should be enfranchised. His London corresponding society was extremely successful and this led to his arrest and trial for high treason, at which he was acquitted
Briefly describe the Birmingham riots
There was an attack on a group in Birmingham called the friends of France in 1791 when they were at a dinner celebrating the anniversary of the Bastille. They were attacked by a local mob that got out of control and began attacking dissenters. Many think that government agents were responsible for stirring up the attack
What were the September massacres?
Event in 1792 where revolutionary leaders sanctioned the deaths of thousands of French prisoners held in Paris as suspected counter-revolutionaries
What was the British response to the September massacres?
Met with revulsion, aside from radicals and convinced reformers
What did pity do after king Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were executed?
Feared for British interests and declared war
What was Pitts first act of repression in may 1792?
Made an order against seditious writings that was meant to curb the radical influence of corresponding societies and anti government publications
How were magistrates used to observe repression?
There powers were extended so reformers could be arrested, prosecuted and given severe sentences
What happened to the most radical leaders of reform societies in may 1794?
They were tried for treason, but eventually acquitted
What is the habeus corpus?
Preserves the right of the individual not to be detained illegally, it has occasionally been suspended by the government during times of unrest.
Why did pity suspend the habeus corpus?
It allowed the authorities to arrest and detain people without trial. It was justified on the grounds that action had to be taken to protect the safety of the king
What was the 1795 treasonable practices act?
Made it an offence to speak out against the king
What was the seditious meetings act?
Used to curb large gatherings in order to stop riots
What repressive measures did pity take around the press?
He censored the press and forbade them to report on riots and unrest
What was the aliens act?
Used to prevent french agents from coming to Britain
Describe the British unrest in the 1780s and 90s
Rioting occured in many prices, mostly about food prices, causing government alarm. It was often more spontaneous than planned. A mob at Aylesbury market in Buckinghamshire seized the farmers wheat and sold it at their own cheaper price
What was an agent provocateur?
Government spies who went among workers deliberately stirring up trouble to flush out the ring leaders
What did pity ban in 1799?
Corresponding societies
What is a republican?
A supporter of a republic, which is a state in which power is invested in those elected by the people, a republic does not have a monarch
Why is there a view that Pitt overreacted?
The republicans were noisier than they were dangerous
What is a Jacobin?
A member of the more extreme groups of French revolutionaries, the term became used to describe political radicals
