French Revolution

I'm a little out of my depths on French history, so this is only a credo of
what I've learned. Other than Burke, I haven't read much criticism of the
revolution. If anyone could feel free to comment on my facts, preferably
with references, I would appreciate it. Also, if anyone wishes to attack my
analysis, you are forgiven. ;-)

Democracy is a natural reaction to improper government and problems in
governing. It should not be made an end in itself. The tendency of
autocratic governments to misdirect and get into trouble is well known in
history. Problems occur in an autocratic setting when competing classes of
individuals begin to assert their political rights. Perhaps the best example
of this is the France of Louis XVI. The goal of this government was clearly
to find a political outlet, establish democracy, and balance the interests
of all classes in the interests of the Monarchy, and of course, stability.
That this effort was eventually unstable is legendary and typical of many
power struggles in world history. What is also legendary in the case of
France was the resistance to democracy in the 30 years following the
debacle. When models of democracy existed in England and America, the
various French governments were hard pressed for a long time to arrive at a
satisfactory democratic solution of their own, despite much bloodshed. As a
matter of fact, it could be said that classes of people, desperate to avoid
compromising their future power in this situation, gladly substituted
bloodshed for democracy.


Thanks,
Cormagh



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