Historiography of The French Revolution - I

Summary

In this lecture series, Dr. Shankar Kumar explores the historiography of the French Revolution, focusing on how its narrative has evolved over two centuries. He discusses the 1889 and 1989 centenary celebrations, highlighting shifts in historical interpretation influenced by political and ideological contexts. The lecture touches on figures like Edmund Burke and Thomas Paine, and the impact of Marxist thought on revolution historiography, setting the stage for a deeper dive in the next installment.

Takeaways

• 📚 Historiography is the study of how history is written, and today’s focus is on the historiography of the French Revolution.
• ⚔️ The French Revolution, which began in 1789, is considered a landmark event in history, influencing modern political ideologies and is still debated after 200 years.
• 🗓️ The lecture examines the centennial celebrations of the Revolution in 1889 and the bicentennial in 1989 to show how perspectives on the event have evolved over time.
• 🏛️ In 1989, President Mitterrand declared the French Revolution 'over,' but counter-revolutionary sentiments still persisted, showing that the debate over the Revolution’s legacy remains open.
• ⚖️ The French Revolution is tied to modern ideals of democracy, human rights, and freedom, but critics, like Margaret Thatcher, emphasized the darker aspects like the Reign of Terror.
• 🎓 During the 1889 centenary, the focus was on the marriage of republicanism and positivism, as France under the Third Republic celebrated the revolution’s contribution to political progress.
• 🧐 Historians from different ideological backgrounds—traditionalists, radicals, and Marxists—have interpreted the Revolution differently, reflecting the changing political climates.
• 📜 The early thinkers like Edmund Burke (traditionalist) and Thomas Paine (radical) presented polarized views on the Revolution, laying the foundation for ongoing historiographical debates.
• 🔨 Marxist interpretations of the French Revolution dominated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizing class struggle and the role of the bourgeoisie.
• 🧠 The evolution of French revolutionary historiography has been influenced by who holds academic chairs in history, with Marxist scholars dominating much of the 20th-century interpretation.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the lecture series?

The main theme of the lecture series is the historiography of the French Revolution, focusing on how the event has been written about and interpreted over time.

What is historiography?

Historiography is the study of the methods and practices of writing history, including the analysis of historical interpretations and the changing fashion of history writing.

Why is the French Revolution considered an iconic event?

The French Revolution is considered iconic because it is seen as a harbinger of modernity in political terms and has been written about extensively for over 200 years.

What are the two centenary celebrations discussed in the script?

The two centenary celebrations discussed are those of 1889 and 1989, marking 100 and 200 years after the French Revolution, respectively.

What was the political climate like in France during the 1989 bicentenary celebration?

In 1989, President Mithran declared the revolution as being over, and the celebration was marked by a counter-revolutionary commemoration, indicating ongoing social and political tensions.

How did the British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher respond to the French Revolution bicentenary celebrations?

Margaret Thatcher countered the French claims to the paternity of human rights by reminding the world of the Reign of Terror and questioning the celebration's focus on human rights.

What is the significance of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of Citizens in the context of the French Revolution?

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of Citizens was a foundational document of the revolution, emphasizing principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, and it was highlighted during the bicentenary celebrations.

What was the role of Condorcet and Hegel in the early writings about the French Revolution?

Condorcet and Hegel were among the first generation of writers who responded to the revolution, representing two polarities of opinion about the event.

How did the French Republic's political instability reflect in the historiography of the French Revolution?

The French Republic's political instability, with its shifts between dictatorship, monarchy, and republicanism, contributed to a fractured historiography of the revolution.

What was the impact of the creation of a new chair in history at the Sorbonne University on the historiography of the French Revolution?

The creation of a new chair in history at the Sorbonne University, with Alfred Rambaud elected to it, symbolized the Marxist grip over one particular version of the revolution and influenced the historiography for years to come.

What is the importance of Georges Lefebvre and Albert Sobol in the historiography of the French Revolution?

Georges Lefebvre and Albert Sobol were key figures who carried the Marxist interpretation of the French Revolution in the first half of the 20th century, significantly influencing the understanding of the event.