The outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789 resulted from a longer-term transformation of political culture. Central to this was the emergence of a self-conscious public opinion that viewed itself as national and sovereign. The failure of the French monarchy to adapt to
The outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789 resulted from a longer-term transformation of political culture. Central to this was the emergence of a self-conscious public opinion that viewed itself as national and sovereign. The failure of the French monarchy to adapt to this development culminated in its removal. The French nation was now sovereign, and hence able to set aside all existing laws and privileges. In terms of France’s relationship with the rest of the World, the Revolution initially heralded a new era of fraternity. This proved ephemeral as war engulfed Europe from 1792 to 1815. In Fran