The Origins of the French Revolution - Paperback

by Peter R. Campbell (Editor)

The question of what brought about the French Revolution remains the subject of vigorous debate and perennial interest. This clear collection is an excellent introduction to a complex topic, written by ten distinguished American and British historians at the forefront of their fields. Chapters on political culture, finance, the role of religion, politics, art, the parlement, peasants, pamphlets, and the Estates General go to the heart of recent debate, making the origins of the French Revolution easier to study and teach.

Back Jacket

The French Revolution, an event of world historical importance that gave birth to modern politics, has long been a subject of debate. Naturally, the question of its origins remains a key area of controversy. This collection of essays by a team of distinguished experts in the field offers original but approachable views and interpretations that will engage students and scholars alike. Each chapter contains new research and focuses upon a major strand of the present debate.
The Origins of the French Revolution explores:
- the process of decision-making
- the financial crisis
- the Paris parlement
- pamphlet literature
- the ideas of the Enlightenment
- peasant involvement
- the Estates General of 1789

Chapters on art and theatre, on the development of cultural history, and the corrosive role of religious conflict upon the fabric of the monarchy ensure that stimulating new perspectives now form a key part of future discussion. A full introduction considers the nature of the debate and offers a thought-provoking interpretation of the crisis of the absolute monarchy that led to the collapse of state and society in the summer of 1789.

Author Biography

PETER R. CAMPBELL is Senior Lecturer in History at the University of Sussex, UK. He has written widely on the ancien regime and his books include The Ancien Regime in France (1988), Louis XIV (1993) and Power and Politics in Old Regime France (1996).
PETER R. CAMPBELL is Senior Lecturer in History at the University of Sussex, UK. He has written widely on the ancien regime and his books include The Ancien Regime in France (1988), Louis XIV (1993) and Power and Politics in Old Regime France (1996).