#frenchhistory

[obnoxiousprince]

The French Revolution: A Political Myth More Than a True Liberation

The French Revolution is often portrayed as the founding moment of modern liberty, equality, and democracy. In the collective imagination, it represents the victory of the people over the oppression of a monstrous Old Regime and the birth of a new, fairer, and purer world. Yet, when we take a closer look at the actual facts and consequences of this historic event, the glorified narrative starts to crumble, giving way to a far more nuanced, and even critical analysis.

A Moderate King Sacrificed, a Manipulated People

Louis XVI, the last king of France, is often caricatured as an absolute tyrant responsible for poverty and inequality. In reality, he was far from a rigid despot. On the contrary, he was a moderate, intelligent, and hesitant man, a victim of his own advisors and of a political and economic crisis beyond his control. The king had even agreed to summon the Estates-General and seemed open to the idea of a constitutional monarchy.

Moreover, the popular misery — particularly the shortage of bread — cannot be blamed solely on the sovereign. The context was complex, shaped by agricultural failures, economic instability, and social unrest. The people, often illiterate and fueled by anger, were manipulated and pushed toward violence.

Lofty Principles on Paper, Inequality in Practice

The Revolution mostly produced words, theories, and grand ideals: liberty, equality, fraternity, human rights. These declarations, while admirable on paper, were not followed by a real transformation of social relations.

The legal equality proclaimed as a universal right remained an illusion. In practice, the wealthy and powerful always had better access to justice, while the poor continued to be disadvantaged. Freedom of expression, though supposedly guaranteed, remained unequal: those at the top of society could say almost anything without consequence, while the vulnerable often faced repression.

Freedom of Thought: A Natural Evolution, Not a Violent Upheaval

Contrary to popular belief, freedom of speech and thought did not emerge from the French Revolution or from violent upheaval. Long before 1789, under the Ancien Régime, forms of public dissent already existed: pamphlets, caricatures, and open criticism circulated freely, showing a society already capable of debate.

History from other countries supports this idea:

In England, freedom of conscience, religious pluralism, and parliamentary monarchy developed gradually: Magna Carta (1215), Habeas Corpus (1679), Bill of Rights (1689).

In the Netherlands, a tolerant and modern state emerged through compromise and reforms over time.

Even the United States, despite its war of independence, relied on a structured constitution without unleashing mass terror or radically overturning its social order as happened in France.

These historical examples show that freedom of thought is a long, peaceful process of maturation, not the inevitable result of bloodshed and chaos.

After Louis XVI: Rulers More Authoritarian Than the King

The French Revolution removed a moderate king, only to usher in leaders far more authoritarian. Robespierre, through the Reign of Terror, established a dictatorial regime based on mass repression. Later, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself emperor, reimposed censorship, centralized power, and rolled back several revolutionary gains, especially women’s rights.

The 19th century in France was marked by a series of authoritarian regimes: the Bourbon Restoration, the July Monarchy, and the Second Empire under Napoleon III. All these governments concentrated power and practiced repression, sometimes more harshly than Louis XVI, who by comparison appears almost restrained.

A Revolution Turned Political Tool: Myth at the Service of the Republic

Since the Third Republic, the French Revolution has been transformed into a state myth, actively used by presidents to legitimize the current system. This instrumentalization operates through powerful, enduring mechanisms.

A State Myth Perpetuated by Presidents:

Each republican regime has presented itself as the direct heir of the Enlightenment and human rights to:

Legitimize itself: “We are the heirs of the free people, of the Republic born from the Revolution.”

Cover up ongoing inequalities: “Everyone is free and equal” (at least in theory…).

Discredit any critique of the system: “You’re criticizing the Republic? Then you’re against democracy, against the people, against liberty.”

Every president, from De Gaulle to Macron, has symbolically positioned himself in this revolutionary lineage.

Republican speeches about secularism, the homeland, values, and the Republic are always delivered with the tricolor flag and the Marseillaise playing in the background.

The unspoken message is clear:

“We are the Revolution. Don’t question it.”

An Idealized Version That Locks Down Debate

This myth serves to shut down debate or alternatives:

It creates the illusion that power lies in the hands of the people, while in reality decisions are made by a technocratic, political, or economic elite.

It narrows the scope of thought: if the Republic comes from the Revolution, then questioning it means attacking democracy itself.

It crushes any other political model: monarchy? = reactionary. direct democracy? = populist. social critique? = conspiracy theory.

This control is reinforced through ritual repetition of symbols: Bastille Day (14 July), the Panthéon, Marianne, so-called “Republican values”.

School as a Relay of the Myth:

From early childhood, school teaches a sacred, binary history:

The good people versus evil elites.

Louis XVI = incompetent.

Robespierre = a hero.

Napoleon = a tragic genius.

There is no room for debate on:

Revolutionary massacres

The Jacobin dictatorship

Ongoing social inequality after 1789

This simplified, glorified narrative lacks nuance and serves one key purpose: to build a collective identity and erase historical contradictions.

Like all founding myths, it artificially unifies a divided society and imposes symbolic legitimacy on the regime.

Conclusion:

The French Revolution did not liberate the people in the way we are led to believe. It mostly replaced one form of power with another, often more authoritarian, while building a beautiful ideological façade filled with principles that were never fully applied.

Freedom of speech, far from being born amid the chaos of the Terror, is the product of a long, often peaceful historical evolution. Social justice and equality still remain unrealized ideals. And today’s elites, like those of the past, are skilled at using revolutionary symbols to maintain their authority.

Even now, the Republic speaks in the name of the people, yet acts in the interest of those far removed from it.

The French Revolution is less a liberating event than a political symbol used to lock in the system.

[patriot-passports]

Mont Saint Michel: Get ready to take a voyage back in time. Located in the Normandy region of France, Mont Saint Michel is one of the most fascinating historical monuments in the world.

This rocky island has a rich history dating back over 1000 years, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Mont Saint Michel is a true gem of medieval architecture.

When you arrive at Mont Saint Michel, you will be impressed by the majesty and grandeur of the Benedictine abbey that stands atop the island.

The construction of the abbey began in the 11th century, and took over 500 years to complete. It is built in a unique Gothic style, with slender buttresses, pointed arches and colorful stained glass windows.

In addition to the abbey, there are many other things to see and do on Mont Saint Michel. You can stroll through the narrow streets of the village and admire the stone houses, local craft stores, traditional restaurants and breathtaking views of the bay.

You can also venture out at low tide to explore the quicksand and shellfish beds, or to observe the famous salt-meadow sheep.

Mont Saint Michel has been a place of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages, and it continues to attract visitors from around the world. It is a place that has inspired artists, writers and filmmakers from all over the world.

If you are visiting France, don't miss a detour to the Mont Saint Michel. It is an experience you will never forget.

Say which photo you like best

And don't forget to share with a friend...

Follow :- @patriot_passports ............................................................. Credit :- @bestcitiesofeurope

Great photos by @mojitomanwes@marc.hennige@_marcelsiebert@sebastien.nagy@ken4photo

[seashorepics]

Notre Dame Cathedral: A Timeless Icon of History and Resilience

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris stands as a symbol of Gothic architecture, spiritual devotion, and the enduring legacy of human craftsmanship. This masterpiece, situated on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, has a history that spans more than eight centuries. AI-Generated Image A Glimpse Into History Construction of Notre Dame began in 1163 under the reign of King Louis VII and took…

[thomtmexploration]

Exploration du Chevalement a Saint-Maurice-des-Noues 85120

[yasir36]

 The Inspirational Life Story of Charles de Gaulle From Soldier to Savior of France

[apaminerala]

Bastille Day- 14 juillet – Why It Still Matters

Bastille Day – Why It Still Matters (Even Outside France) Every July 14th, French people across the world celebrate La Fête Nationale — known in English as Bastille Day. It’s a day full of fireworks, music, parades, and most of all, a deep sense of liberty, unity, and pride. But here in Romania, among us expats, the day takes on an even more personal meaning. A Quick Look Back – What is Bastille…

[darthquarkky]

This collection of five images illustrates the epic tale of The Song of Roland, a cornerstone of medieval European literature from the 1100s. The scenes capture the story’s key moments: Roland’s oath of loyalty to Charlemagne, the treacherous ambush at Roncevaux Pass, his heroic last stand with the Olifant, Charlemagne’s vengeful return, and the final reckoning of the traitor Ganelon. Together, they weave a narrative of honor, betrayal, and divine justice, set against the rugged landscapes and grand courts of the Carolingian era. The vivid depictions bring to life the poem’s blend of historical memory and legendary valor, offering a visual journey through one of the Middle Ages’ most enduring tales.

[beatnikbytes]

Napoleon Bonaparte at the Adolphus Hotel

[illuminatingfacts]

Beneath the streets of Paris lies a hidden world: the eerie, fascinating catacombs. 🕯️💀 Explore their strange history and secrets in this must-read blog post! 🏰✨ https://mentalitch.com/learn-about-the-strange-and-unusual-catacombs-in-paris/

[lakan-olivares]

First Parisian meal selfie

Sitting at the Le Village Ronsard restaurant to have my first mean upon arriving in Paris, France. The restaurant is located in the 1818 Place Maubert, at the corner of Rue des Carmes and Boulevard Saint-Germain in the Quartier Latin of Paris. Obviously we chose to eat her to have that Parisian open air café experience, and I was remembering the stories wining and dining in Paris by the American writer Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) that was detailed in his 1964 memoire “A Moveable Feast”.

Nearby is the open food market Marché Maubert, which is one of the oldest markets in Paris that was established in 1547.

This picture was taken circa 2015

[newsofthetimesnott]

The Four-Fold Murders in France 

 News of the Times Episode 347 | 1864 

In today’s episode it is 1864 in the Haute Pyrenees of France and a dilapidated chateau, run by an elderly gentleman with his four servant, remains shuttered unusually.  The gentleman who owns the run down chateau is known as a bit of an eccentric – rumours have it that he is very rich, but he tends to keep himself to himself.  Yet, even though eccentric, the chateau would normally have been open by the servants by now. One of the locals goes in to investigate.  A scene of horror emerges with gruesome, bloody deaths of the three servants and the old man as well.  The cook’s head has nearly been cut off.  The murders are not merely murders, the nature of the destructive wounds would seem to almost indicate a type or frenzied vengeance. 

The four fold murder, as it became known in both France and England, was investigated zealously.  Questions still remain as to whether the police captured the right people or if a miscarriage of justice took place. We investigate the crime the evidence and the conclusion of the Fourfold murder in today’s episode of Sinister Saturdays. 

Hosted by Robin Coles.       

[voyagerfrance]

Découvrez les Châteaux Majestueux de la Vallée de la Loire

La Vallée de la Loire, souvent surnommée le "Jardin de la France", est une région riche en histoire et en splendeur architecturale. Les châteaux majestueux qui parsèment cette vallée sont des témoins impressionnants du passé glorieux de la France. Du célèbre Château de Chambord avec son architecture unique et ses vastes jardins, au romantique Château de Chenonceau, connu pour son pont traversant la rivière Cher, chaque château raconte une histoire unique.

Le Château de Cheverny, réputé pour son intérieur somptueux et ses magnifiques jardins, est une autre merveille à découvrir. Sans oublier le Château d’Amboise, où reposent les restes de Léonard de Vinci, et le Château de Villandry, célèbre pour ses jardins à la française. Chacun de ces châteaux offre une plongée fascinante dans l'histoire de la Renaissance française, avec des trésors architecturaux et artistiques inestimables.

Pour les amoureux de la nature, la Vallée de la Loire propose également des paysages à couper le souffle. Les rivières sinueuses, les forêts verdoyantes et les vignobles pittoresques offrent un cadre idyllique pour explorer cette région. Que vous soyez un passionné d'histoire, un amateur d'art ou simplement à la recherche d'une escapade pittoresque, la Vallée de la Loire a quelque chose à offrir à chacun.

Pour découvrir plus en détail les châteaux majestueux de la Vallée de la Loire et planifier votre prochaine aventure, visitez Découvrez les Châteaux Majestueux de la Vallée de la Loire.

Hashtags:

#ChâteauxMajestueux #ValléedelaLoire #HistoireFrançaise #TourismeFrance #Patrimoine #Voyage

English Version

Title:

Discover the Majestic Castles of the Loire Valley

Description:

Explore the timeless beauty of the majestic castles of the Loire Valley. Dive into the fascinating history and enchanting landscapes of this iconic region of France. To learn more, visit Discover the Majestic Castles of the Loire Valley.

Brief:

The Loire Valley, often referred to as the "Garden of France," is a region rich in history and architectural splendor. The majestic castles that dot this valley are impressive witnesses to France's glorious past. From the famous Château de Chambord with its unique architecture and vast gardens, to the romantic Château de Chenonceau, known for its bridge spanning the Cher River, each castle tells a unique story.

The Château de Cheverny, renowned for its sumptuous interior and magnificent gardens, is another marvel to discover. Not to mention the Château d’Amboise, where the remains of Leonardo da Vinci rest, and the Château de Villandry, famous for its French gardens. Each of these castles offers a fascinating dive into the history of the French Renaissance, with invaluable architectural and artistic treasures.

For nature lovers, the Loire Valley also offers breathtaking landscapes. The winding rivers, lush forests, and picturesque vineyards provide an idyllic setting to explore this region. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for a picturesque getaway, the Loire Valley has something to offer everyone.

To discover more about the majestic castles of the Loire Valley and plan your next adventure, visit Discover the Majestic Castles of the Loire Valley.

[willbashor]

Being royalty is hard enough, but when your secrets could change your life…

Seventeenth-century France. Louis de Bourbon isn't a real prince—even though his father is King Louis XIV.

The illegitimate son of the King and his mistress, Louise de La Vallière, young Louis has been kept far from the court's eyes until summoned to bid adieu to his mother. To atone for her guilt, she joins a convent, abandoning Louis to an uncertain future. When Louis is humiliated by his father for his role in a secret society, he struggles to redeem himself through heroism and self-sacrifice on the battlefield in his father’s army.

Will Louis find a way to connect with his father amidst the prejudices of the time and the sexuality conflict he is grappling?

[yasir36]

The Inspirational Life Story of Charles de Gaulle From Soldier to Savior of France

[its-suanneschafer-author]

ICYMI BOOK REVIEW: #CitiesOfWomen by #KathleenBJones. A medieval feminist multi-POV book, well researched and written. 

[estate-sterling]

More Info: https://onlinesilver.store/products/charles-v-commorative-gold-plated-bronze-and-black-marble-mantel-clock-set