The Making of a Fiscal-Military State in Post-Revolutionary France

This book explores how the French Revolution of 1789 transformed the French state and its fiscal system, and how further reforms in the nineteenth century created a durable, post-revolutionary state. It emphasizes the importance of counter-revolution after 1815 in establishing a stable, durable state, capable of surviving revolutions in 1830 and 1848 intact.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate details of the French Revolution of 1789, shedding light on its profound impact on the French state and its fiscal system. By drawing upon a vast array of archival and published documents, the author intricately explains how this revolutionary event shaped the very foundations of the French government. Furthermore, the book explores the subsequent reforms implemented in the nineteenth century, which played a pivotal role in establishing a resilient and enduring post-revolutionary state. Contrary to the prevailing narrative that attributes the nineteenth-century French state solely to the influence of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic eras, Jerome Greenfield emphasizes the significance of the counter-revolutionary movement after 1815. This period marked a critical juncture in the development of the French state, as it laid the groundwork for a stable and durable entity capable of withstanding the challenges posed by subsequent revolutions in 1830 and 1848.

During the years 1815 to 1870, a significant transformation occurred within the French state. This period witnessed the emergence of economic interventionism, a policy that would later earn France a reputation for its aggressive economic strategies. Moreover, it facilitated the resurgence of France as a major power following Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo. The French state underwent a profound metamorphosis, evolving from a decentralized and fragmented entity to a centralized and robust institution. This transformation was driven by a series of political, economic, and social factors, including the rise of nationalism, the Industrial Revolution, and the expansion of the French empire.

The French Revolution of 1789 marked a turning point in European history, as it challenged the established order and paved the way for political and social upheaval. The revolutionaries sought to establish a new government based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, and they implemented sweeping reforms that affected every aspect of French society. These reforms included the abolition of feudalism, the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, and the adoption of a democratic system of government.

However, the aftermath of the revolution was marked by instability and conflict. The Napoleonic era saw the rise of a powerful military dictator, who sought to expand French influence across Europe. The wars that followed resulted in the loss of many French territories and the devastation of the country's economy. The Bourbon Restoration in 1814 brought an end to the Napoleonic era, but it was short-lived, as the French Revolution of 1830 led to the rise of a new government, the July Monarchy.

The July Monarchy was characterized by political instability and economic decline, as the government struggled to maintain control over a country that was divided by political parties and social unrest. The revolution of 1848 brought yet another change in government, as the French people demanded greater political freedom and social equality. This revolution led to the establishment of the Second Republic, which was characterized by a more democratic system of government and greater political participation.

The Second Republic faced numerous challenges, including economic instability, political unrest, and military conflicts. However, it also saw the emergence of new political parties and movements, such as the socialist and communist parties, which sought to transform French society and challenge the dominant capitalist system. The Third Republic, which was established in 1870, was characterized by a more stable and democratic system of government, as well as greater economic prosperity and social progress.

Throughout its history, the French state has undergone numerous changes and transformations. From the decentralized and fragmented state that existed before the revolution to the centralized and robust institution that exists today, the French state has played a critical role in shaping French society and the broader European continent. The French Revolution of 1789 was a pivotal event in European history, and its legacy continues to be felt today. The French state has been a source of inspiration for political movements and social reformers around the world, and its commitment to the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity remains a guiding force for those who seek to create a more just and equitable society.

ISBN-13: 9781108839679