The French Revolution

Definition

The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799 that fundamentally changed the structure of French society. It marked the decline of absolute monarchy, the rise of radical democracy, and the spread of revolutionary ideas across Europe. This movement played a crucial role in shaping Romantic thought, influencing writers like Coleridge who grappled with themes of nature, the supernatural, and individual freedom.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The French Revolution began in 1789 with financial crises and widespread discontent over high taxes and social inequality.
2. It led to the establishment of the National Assembly and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which laid down principles of civil rights.
3. Key events included the storming of the Bastille, the Reign of Terror, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
4. Coleridge's writings were influenced by revolutionary themes, exploring ideas of transformation, imagination, and moral complexity in his poetry.
5. The Revolution's impact extended beyond France, inspiring revolutions and movements for change across Europe and even into Latin America.

Review Questions

• How did the French Revolution influence Coleridge's views on individual freedom and creativity?
  • The French Revolution profoundly affected Coleridge's understanding of individual freedom and creativity as it highlighted the struggle against oppression. The revolutionary spirit emphasized breaking free from traditional constraints, which resonated with Romantic ideals of self-expression and imagination. Coleridge incorporated these ideas into his poetry, reflecting on moral dilemmas and human experience in a rapidly changing world.
• Discuss how Romantic writers viewed the events of the French Revolution and its implications for society.
  • Romantic writers like Coleridge were deeply impacted by the events of the French Revolution, viewing it as both a moment of hope for human potential and a cautionary tale about chaos and violence. The idealism associated with liberty and equality inspired many poets to embrace revolutionary themes in their work. However, they also recognized the darker aspects of revolution, such as the Reign of Terror, which prompted them to question the balance between order and freedom in society.
• Evaluate how Coleridge's supernatural poetry reflects his response to the changes brought by the French Revolution.
  • Coleridge's supernatural poetry can be seen as a response to the upheavals caused by the French Revolution as it grapples with themes of transformation, loss, and existential questioning. His use of supernatural elements serves to illustrate human emotions in a tumultuous world where traditional values are being challenged. The blending of imagination with societal concerns allowed Coleridge to explore deeper truths about human nature in light of revolutionary change while engaging readers' emotions through fantastical imagery.

Related terms

Liberty, Equality, Fraternity: The revolutionary motto of the French Revolution, encapsulating its core ideals that inspired movements for democracy and human rights.

Guillotine: A device used during the Revolution for carrying out executions by beheading, symbolizing the radical methods employed during this tumultuous time.

Romanticism:

An artistic and intellectual movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism as a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment, significantly shaped by events like the French Revolution.