The beginning of bourgeois capitalism in French history and changes in the social structure of France may be attributed to the Revolution. Its primary accomplishment was the dissolution of feudal society’s aristocratic ranks and seigneurial structure, which led to the development of national integration. In his book A Short History of French Revolution, Albert Soboul emphasizes how France was once a country with a strong disproportion among people, with aristocracy holding power of all the privileges. However, the role of breakthroughs, which spurred the rise of capitalism and the bourgeoisie with its intentions to change order within the country, led to the French Revolution, which restored justice.
Albert Soboul initially shows that the history of the French Revolution raises two distinct sets of issues. First, issues of a generic form pertaining to the rules of history regulating the shift from feudalism to contemporary capitalism (Soboul 1). The end of the 18th century saw a mostly royal framework in French society (Soboul 2). When property was the only source of wealth, it still displayed the imprint of its time and provided those who possessed its control over those who cultivated it. The bourgeoisie, a new group whose significance was acknowledged by its admittance to the Estates General in the 1400s, emerged as a result of the recovery of trade and the growth of artisan industry beginning in the 10th century (Soboul 2). The rise of capitalism, which was fueled by the breakthroughs of the 15th and 16th centuries, the reopening of former colonies, and the constant financial pressures of the king, caused this class to rise within the context of a feudal state (Soboul 2). Therefore, the changing world order contributed to capitalism permeating other countries, including France.
Second, the French Revolution had unique characteristics as opposed to previous bourgeois revolutions due to more complex issues resulting from the unique social system after the fall of the Old Regime. Since the price of cereals increased faster than the price of any other good, the living expenses for the poorer classes were significantly impacted by the increase in food costs (Soboul 31). Meanwhile, the wealthier strata of society were minimally impacted, while the majority of the population was crushed by growing costs (Soboul 32). The working poor found it more challenging to cope with the effects of rising costs due to the level of salaries (Soboul 33). Population growth exacerbated the consequences of rising prices, which is especially surprising given that it came after a period of economic stagnation that lasted until approximately 1740 (Soboul 38). The Third Estate’s dominant group, the bourgeoisie, suddenly gained control (Soboul 38). Therefore, the bourgeoisie was capable of abolishing aristocratic superiority and restoring legal and social justice in a society devoid of established entities and hierarchies.
Hence, poverty played a part in the emergence of capitalism, and the bourgeoisie’s desire to alter the social order of the nation brought about the French Revolution, which restored justice. The history of the French Revolution raises two unique sets of difficulties, as Albert Soboul initially demonstrates. First, general questions about the historical principles governing the transition from feudalism to modern capitalism. Second, the French Revolution was different from other bourgeois revolutions due to more complicated challenges brought on by the distinct social order that emerged following the fall of the Old Regime.
Work Cited
Soboul, Albert. A Short History of the French Revolution. United Kingdom: University of California Press, 1977.