Capitalism and the Emergence of Civic Equality in Eighteenth-Century France

The French Revolution of 1789 introduced civic equality due to the flourishing of commercial capitalism in eighteenth-century France, which introduced a new independence, flexibility, and anonymity to French social life. This made civic equality thinkable, possible, and desirable when the crisis of the French Revolution arrived.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 416 pages
\n Publication date: 28 April 2021
\n Publisher: The University of Chicago Press
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The French Revolution of 1789 was a transformative event that altered the course of Western history. One of its defining features was the concept of civic equality, which became a central tenet of the revolution. However, why did this idea resonate so strongly in France, particularly at that time? In this essay, we will explore the factors that contributed to the flourishing of commercial capitalism in eighteenth-century France and how it influenced the development of civic equality.

The rise of commerce in eighteenth-century France was a significant factor in the development of civic equality. Prior to the revolution, France was a largely agricultural society, with a small merchant class and a largely feudal system. However, with the growth of trade and commerce, a new class of wealthy merchants emerged. These merchants were able to accumulate wealth and power, which they used to influence political and social institutions.

One of the ways in which the merchants influenced political institutions was through their support for the idea of civic equality. They believed that all citizens should have equal rights and opportunities, regardless of their social status or wealth. They argued that the government should be accountable to the people and that citizens should have the right to participate in the decision-making process.

The merchants also supported the development of urban publics, which were centers of commerce and culture. These publics were often the site of debates and discussions about political and social issues, which helped to spread the idea of civic equality.

The careers of the philosophes, who were influential thinkers of the time, also played a role in the development of civic equality. Many of the philosophes were merchants or were influenced by the merchant class. They argued for the rights of the individual and the importance of reason and science in shaping society.

Commercial publishing also played a significant role in the spread of civic equality. Books and newspapers were published in large quantities, which made the ideas of the philosophes and merchants accessible to a wider audience. This helped to create a sense of common identity and shared values among citizens, which in turn contributed to the development of civic equality.

Patronage was another important aspect of eighteenth-century French society that contributed to the development of civic equality. Wealthy individuals and corporations supported artists, writers, and intellectuals who promoted the ideas of civic equality. This support helped to create a culture of intellectual inquiry and debate, which in turn contributed to the development of civic equality.

Political economy was also a significant factor in the development of civic equality. Merchants and other wealthy individuals began to invest in the stock market, which allowed them to accumulate wealth and power. This investment also helped to create a sense of shared prosperity among citizens, which in turn contributed to the development of civic equality.

Trade was another important aspect of eighteenth-century French society that contributed to the development of civic equality. The growth of trade and commerce allowed for the exchange of goods and ideas between different regions of France and Europe. This exchange helped to create a sense of interconnectedness and mutual respect among citizens, which in turn contributed to the development of civic equality.

State finance was also a significant factor in the development of civic equality. The French government began to invest in infrastructure and public services, which helped to improve the quality of life for citizens. This investment also helped to create a sense of shared responsibility among citizens, which in turn contributed to the development of civic equality.

In conclusion, the flourishing of commercial capitalism in eighteenth-century France introduced a new independence, flexibility, and anonymity to French social life. By entering the interstices of this otherwise rigidly hierarchical society, expanded commodity exchange colored everyday experience in ways that made civic equality thinkable, possible, even desirable, when the crisis of the French Revolution arrived. Capitalism and the Emergence of Civic Equality in Eighteenth-Century France offers an original interpretation of one of historys pivotal moments.

\n Weight: 616g\n
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780226770468\n \n