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Kates, Gary (Ed.) (1998). The
French Revolution: Recent
Debates and New
Controversies, Routledge
Introduction
The study of the French Revolution has been marked by intense debates and
ideological conflicts since the 18th century. WE explores the challenges of
navigating the diverse perspectives on the Revolution and highlights its
significance as a litmus test for ideological and political convictions.
Historiography of the French Revolution
The professional study of the French Revolution by historians began in the late
19th century, particularly with the establishment of the Chair of the History of
the French Revolution at the Sorbonne in 1889. The first occupant, Alphonse
Aulard, promoted democratic republicanism and saw the Revolution as a
justified response to the despotic abuses of the Ancien Régime.
Importance of Historiography in Revolutionary Studies
1. Role of Historiography: Historiography is crucial in guiding scholars
through the vast terrain of Revolutionary studies. It provides a framework
for critical thinking, helping historians choose documents, ask relevant
questions, and avoid reliance on personal biases.
2. Navigating the Historical Landscape: Without historiography, scholars
would be like travelers lost in a forest without a map. The intricate web of
primary source documents requires a systematic historiographical
approach to distinguish between different paths and perspectives.
3. Critical Thinking and Rhetorical Strategies: Historiography compels
scholars to think critically about their approaches, political views, and
Kates, Gary (Ed.) (1998). The French Revolution: Recent Debates and New Controversies, Routledge 1
, rhetorical strategies. It ensures a rigorous examination of historical
narratives, preventing the reliance on prejudices and passions.
4. Historiography's Role in Social Sciences: Historiography transforms
history from mere literature to a discipline within the social sciences. By
reflecting on the methodologies, biases, and ideologies inherent in
historical interpretations, scholars contribute to a more comprehensive
understanding of the past.
Marxist Interpretation and Its Challengers
After World War I, Aulard faced challenges from his student Albert Mathiez,
whose Marxist perspective emphasized class struggle. This Marxist
interpretation became dominant in French Revolutionary studies, but it faced
a significant challenge in the mid-20th century from scholars like Alfred
Cobban and Albert Soboul, who questioned the role of the bourgeoisie in
leading the Revolution.
Transformation in French Revolutionary Scholarship
The 1978 publication of François Furet's "Penser la Révolution française"
marked a significant turning point. Furet challenged the Marxist paradigm
and shifted the focus to political theory and intellectual history. He argued
that the Revolution's trajectory was towards a despotic use of democratic
ideology, culminating in the Terror.
Conservative Interpretation and Cultural History
Furet's conservative interpretation viewed the Revolution as radical from the
start, with democracy leading to collective sovereignty and individual
subservience. This perspective, emphasizing the ideological change in
revolutionary rhetoric, ignited new interest in the cultural history of the
Revolution.
Influence on Anglo-American Scholarship
Furet's ascendancy not only contributed to the decline of Marxist
historiography but also increased the visibility of Anglo-American
scholarship. Scholars like Keith Baker explored the influence of Rousseauian
political ideology on revolutionary Jacobinism, further revitalizing the
intellectual history of the Revolution.
Conclusion
Kates, Gary (Ed.) (1998). The French Revolution: Recent Debates and New Controversies, Routledge 2
Kates, Gary (Ed.) (1998). The
French Revolution: Recent
Debates and New
Controversies, Routledge
Introduction
The study of the French Revolution has been marked by intense debates and
ideological conflicts since the 18th century. WE explores the challenges of
navigating the diverse perspectives on the Revolution and highlights its
significance as a litmus test for ideological and political convictions.
Historiography of the French Revolution
The professional study of the French Revolution by historians began in the late
19th century, particularly with the establishment of the Chair of the History of
the French Revolution at the Sorbonne in 1889. The first occupant, Alphonse
Aulard, promoted democratic republicanism and saw the Revolution as a
justified response to the despotic abuses of the Ancien Régime.
Importance of Historiography in Revolutionary Studies
1. Role of Historiography: Historiography is crucial in guiding scholars
through the vast terrain of Revolutionary studies. It provides a framework
for critical thinking, helping historians choose documents, ask relevant
questions, and avoid reliance on personal biases.
2. Navigating the Historical Landscape: Without historiography, scholars
would be like travelers lost in a forest without a map. The intricate web of
primary source documents requires a systematic historiographical
approach to distinguish between different paths and perspectives.
3. Critical Thinking and Rhetorical Strategies: Historiography compels
scholars to think critically about their approaches, political views, and
Kates, Gary (Ed.) (1998). The French Revolution: Recent Debates and New Controversies, Routledge 1
, rhetorical strategies. It ensures a rigorous examination of historical
narratives, preventing the reliance on prejudices and passions.
4. Historiography's Role in Social Sciences: Historiography transforms
history from mere literature to a discipline within the social sciences. By
reflecting on the methodologies, biases, and ideologies inherent in
historical interpretations, scholars contribute to a more comprehensive
understanding of the past.
Marxist Interpretation and Its Challengers
After World War I, Aulard faced challenges from his student Albert Mathiez,
whose Marxist perspective emphasized class struggle. This Marxist
interpretation became dominant in French Revolutionary studies, but it faced
a significant challenge in the mid-20th century from scholars like Alfred
Cobban and Albert Soboul, who questioned the role of the bourgeoisie in
leading the Revolution.
Transformation in French Revolutionary Scholarship
The 1978 publication of François Furet's "Penser la Révolution française"
marked a significant turning point. Furet challenged the Marxist paradigm
and shifted the focus to political theory and intellectual history. He argued
that the Revolution's trajectory was towards a despotic use of democratic
ideology, culminating in the Terror.
Conservative Interpretation and Cultural History
Furet's conservative interpretation viewed the Revolution as radical from the
start, with democracy leading to collective sovereignty and individual
subservience. This perspective, emphasizing the ideological change in
revolutionary rhetoric, ignited new interest in the cultural history of the
Revolution.
Influence on Anglo-American Scholarship
Furet's ascendancy not only contributed to the decline of Marxist
historiography but also increased the visibility of Anglo-American
scholarship. Scholars like Keith Baker explored the influence of Rousseauian
political ideology on revolutionary Jacobinism, further revitalizing the
intellectual history of the Revolution.
Conclusion
Kates, Gary (Ed.) (1998). The French Revolution: Recent Debates and New Controversies, Routledge 2
