State and Society in Eighteenth-Century France: Rethinking Causality

Commodified labor, essential for a capitalist bourgeoisie, did not develop in eighteenth-century France, with the mass of the population consisting of peasants and artisans. This led to the crisis of 1789 and the revolutionary conflicts of the 1790s.

Format: Paperback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 14 November 2023
Publisher: Haymarket Books

In contrast to the traditional Marxist interpretation of emerging capitalism and its revolutionary bourgeoisie, State and Society in Eighteenth-Century France presents a compelling argument that commodified labor, a fundamental aspect of a capitalist bourgeoisie's existence, did not take shape in eighteenth-century France. This book delves into the historical context of the revolutionary period in France, revealing that the mass of the population consisted of peasants and artisans, who held land and workshops, and were embedded in autonomous communities. The old regime bourgeoisie and nobility, in response to the absolutist state's power, developed within it to gain the political means to impose feudal forms of exploitation on the people. It is these class relations, rather than the traditional interpretation, that gave rise to the crisis of 1789 and the revolutionary conflicts of the 1790s.

This book offers a fresh perspective on the historical development of capitalism and the bourgeoisie, challenging the conventional understanding and shedding light on the complex social, economic, and political dynamics of eighteenth-century France. Through meticulous research and analysis, the author demonstrates that the emergence of commodified labor was contingent upon specific historical conditions and did not occur as a direct result of the revolutionary process. The book also explores the role of the state and society in shaping these class relations and the conflicts that emerged as a result.

State and Society in Eighteenth-Century France is a valuable contribution to the field of history, offering insights into the complex interplay between capitalism, the state, and society. It challenges readers to reconsider traditional narratives and provides a deeper understanding of the historical processes that shaped the modern world. Whether one is a scholar, student, or simply interested in history, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the past.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642599961