Sharing Freedom: Republicanism and Exclusion in Revolutionary France

The French have long self-identified as champions of universal emancipation, but their republicanism has been faulted for being exclusionary. Sharing Freedom explores the development of republicanism from an elitist theory of freedom to an inclusive theory of emancipation during the French Revolution, highlighting the theoretical innovations of Rousseau and revolutionaries. It examines the argumentative logic that led republicans to justify the exclusion of many and connects it with enduring issues of colonialism, immigration, slavery, poverty, and gender.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The French have long held a proud identity as advocates of universal emancipation, yet their republican ideology has faced criticism for its perceived exclusivity towards women, foreigners, and religious and ethnic minorities. Can republicanism offer a viable alternative to liberalism, communism, and communitarianism, or is it inherently flawed? In his book, Sharing Freedom, historian Jonathan I. Israel explores the evolution of republicanism from an older elitist notion of freedom to an inclusive theory of emancipation during the French Revolution. Through meticulous research, he uncovers the theoretical innovations of figures such as Rousseau and revolutionaries like Sieyès, Robespierre, Condorcet, and Grouchy, who grappled with the challenge of adapting republicanism to the diverse and complex realities of a vast and impoverished France. By examining the argumentative logic employed by republicans to justify the exclusion of certain groups, Israel renews the republican tradition and establishes a vital connection between it and the enduring issues of colonialism, immigration, slavery, poverty, and gender.

The French Revolution marked a significant turning point in the history of republicanism, as it brought about a profound shift in the concept of freedom. Prior to this era, the idea of freedom was often associated with the privileged elite, who enjoyed certain rights and privileges while the majority of the population remained enslaved or oppressed. However, during the Revolution, the French people demanded a more inclusive and egalitarian form of government that would guarantee the rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of their social status or background.

One of the key figures in the development of republicanism during the French Revolution was Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Rousseau's philosophy of social contract theory emphasized the importance of individual autonomy and the collective good. He believed that individuals were born into a state of nature, where they were free and equal, but that society had corrupted this natural state through the creation of laws and institutions that favored the privileged few. Rousseau's vision of a republic was based on the idea of popular sovereignty, where the people would have the power to govern themselves and make decisions that would benefit all members of society.

Another important figure in the development of republicanism was Maximilien Robespierre. Robespierre was a lawyer and politician who played a prominent role in the Reign of Terror, a period of political violence and repression that occurred during the French Revolution. Robespierre believed in the power of the people and the need for strict social and political order. He advocated for the execution of King Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, and for the establishment of a dictatorship of the proletariat, which would be led by a committee.

Despite the radical ideas of Robespierre and other revolutionaries, republicanism faced significant challenges in the early years of the French Republic. The country was plagued by economic instability, political instability, and social unrest, and many people were skeptical of the ability of the government to provide for the needs of the people. In addition, republicanism was often associated with the extreme left, which was seen as a threat to the stability of the government and the rule.

However, over time, republicanism began to evolve and adapt to the changing circumstances of France. The French Revolutionaries realized that they needed to address the economic and social inequalities that had contributed to the revolution in the first place. They implemented policies such as the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen, which guaranteed the right to property, the right to free speech, and the right to a fair trial. They also implemented policies such as the Napoleonic Code, which established a legal system that was based on the principles of equality and justice.

Despite these efforts, republicanism continued to face challenges in the 19th century. The rise of nationalism and the rise of socialism in Europe led to the rise of authoritarianism and the decline of democracy in many countries, including France. The French Revolutionaries were also faced with the challenge of dealing with the legacy of colonialism, which had left many countries in Africa and Asia devastated and dependent on French economic and political power.

In conclusion, republicanism has a rich and complex history that spans several centuries and continents. It has been shaped by a variety of political, social, and economic factors, and has faced a range of challenges and setbacks. While republicanism has been criticized for its perceived exclusivity towards certain groups, it has also been praised for its commitment to individual autonomy and the collective good. Sharing Freedom provides a valuable insight into the development of republicanism during the French Revolution and its impact on the world today. It is a must-read for anyone interested in politics, history, and the struggle for social and political equality.

ISBN-13: 9781009477277