What are some factors that shape nationalism?
Many historians believe that the French Revolution marked a turning point in the history of European nationalism. As a result of this revolution, the people of France changed the way their society worked. They beheaded the king and many of the aristocrats who had lived in luxury while people who were poor starved - and they transformed France from an absolute monarchy to a republic. France was the first European country to become a republic. Before the revolution, the king had been the focus of many French people's sense of nation. But the revolution
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Historical Factors
No single event caused the French Revolution. The path to revolution was a long process that unfolded over decades. Still, a single event can often capture a people's collective imagination and inspire them to take action. In the case of France in 1789, this event was the storming of the Bastille.
The Bastille was a Paris prison where, it was rumoured, the king locked up people who spoke out against him. On July 14, 1789, about 600 angry Parisians successfully attacked the Bastille and took control of this symbol of tyranny. This event is usually considered to be the beginning of the French Revolution, and July 14 is now celebrated as a national holiday in France. |
Social Factors
Before the French Revolution, France was divided into strict social order that was defined largely by birth. The monarch and aristocrats, who also made up much of the high-ranking clergy in the Catholic Church, held most of the power.
In 1789, this ruling elite made up about four percent of France's total estimated population of 26 million. The remaining 96 percent were considered common people. The ruling elite paid few taxes, but their power enabled them to accumulate great wealth by collecting taxes, rents, and other fees from the common people. |
Economic Factors
During the 18th century, France was almost constantly at war with its traditional rival, Britain, as well as other European countries. These conflicts, which included some support for the rebels in the American War of Independence, were costly - and largely unsuccessful.
As a result, the French economy was in chaos by the late 1780s. The decades of war had drained the treasury, and the country was nearly bankrupt. To raise money, Louis XVI decided that the people, including French aristocrats, should pay more taxes. |
Geographic Factors
At the same time as Louis XVI was demanding that people pay more taxes, large parts of France were suffering severe weather. The winter of 1788-89 was bitterly cold, with piles of snow that blocked roads and made trade and travel impossible. When the snow melted, it caused floods in some areas. Then, in the spring and summer of 1789, parts of the country were hit by drought - a long period of dry weather.
These conditions combined to destroy grain crops and create a shortage. As the shortage worsened, the prices of flour rose. As a result, many people could no longer afford to buy bread, which was a staple of their diet. |
Political Factors
By late summer 1789, the National Assembly had put the finishing touches on the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. This political action, which abolished the traditional privileges enjoyed by the monarch, the clergy, and the aristocracy, sparked a bloody struggle that eventually led to the creation of a French nation based on new principles. It establish France as a secular - non-religious - republic.
The 17 articles of the declaration set out these principles and became the basis of the new French constitution. This document has influenced all subsequent declarations and charters of rights. |