#oldregime

[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.

[matteohudson]

Now Listening: Bad Religion - Age Of Unreason. #badreligion #badreligionageofunreason #chaosfromwithin #mysanity #dotheparanoidstyle #theapproach #loseyourhead #endofhistory #ageofunreason #candidate #facesofgrief #oldregime #bigblackdog #downfall #sincenow #whattomorrowbrings #2019 #2019album #punkrock #skatepunk #melodichardcore #nowplaying #nowlistening https://www.instagram.com/p/BxNmTZIl9Hu/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=cvfhbbhcv8df

[kevlo75]

The #sky is the #limit ? #old #column #memories #monarchy #oldregime #shifting #french #revolution (à Saint-Florent-le-Vieil) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPNhx-QAJt8/?utm_medium=tumblr

[lostinthedevonian]

Revolutionary France from the convening of the Estates General in 1789 to the last breath of the monarchy July, 1792. #aristocrat #18thcenturyfashion #hairgame #courtdress #oldregime #frenchrevolution #Marieantoinette #louisxvi #18thcentury #ruffles #robealanglaise #themeparty #history #historicalcostume #royalfamily #chateau #jardin #gardens #royalcouple #versailles #historicalcostume #revolutionfrancaise #estatesgeneral (at Paris, France)

[lostinthedevonian]

"I put on my rouge and wash my hands in front of the whole world." -1770 Marie Antoinette The Public Toilette #toilette #aristocrat #18thcenturyfashion #hairgame #courtdress #oldregime #royalcouple #frenchrevolution #Marieantoinette #louisxvi #18thcentury #ruffles #robealanglaise #themeparty #history #historicalcostume #rococo #hair #makeup (at Château de Versailles)

[lostinthedevonian]

Although it was THE dance of the 18th century, the Minuet was notoriously difficult to master. Often seen as a rite of passage, aristocrats would spend years trying to learn the steps. I think we did quite well for a few hours of practice! #aristocrat #18thcenturyfashion #hairgame #courtdress #oldregime #frenchrevolution #Marieantoinette #louisxvi #18thcentury #ruffles #robealanglaise #themeparty #history #historicalcostume #dance #dancing #mozart #minuet #socialdance #rococo #versailles #nofilter (at Château de Versailles)

[lostinthedevonian]

Avec vous ma Reine, rien n'est impossible. #aristocrat #18thcenturyfashion #hairgame #courtdress #oldregime #frenchrevolution #Marieantoinette #louisxvi #18thcentury #ruffles #robealanglaise #themeparty #history #historicalcostume #royalfamily #chateau #jardin #gardens #royalcouple (at Gardens of Versailles)

[lostinthedevonian]

My 18th century A (for aristocrat) -team. After quite literally taking blood (sewing pins can do some damage), sweat (my AC stopped working halfway through 😱), and tears (a lack of sleep can really mess with you), ... I was able to successfully dress my aristocrats. Thank you to everyone who contributed to Saturday night! It was definitely one I'll never forget ❤️🤴. #aristocrat #18thcenturyfashion #hairgame #courtdress #oldregime #frenchrevolution #Marieantoinette #louisxvi #18thcentury #ruffles #robealanglaise #themeparty #history #historicalcostume (at Château de Versailles)

[lostinthedevonian]

How's that for a royal entrance!? #estatesgeneral #versailles #marieantoinette #louisxvi #frenchrevolution #18thcentury #18thcenturyfashion #historicalcostume #history #oldregime #hairgame (at Château de Versailles)