An Historical Sketch of the French Revolution from its Commencement to the Year 1792

This 1792 history of the French Revolution reveals the author's support for democratic reform.

James Mackintosh (Author)

9781108025515, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 3 February 2011

574 pages
21.6 x 14 x 3.2 cm, 0.72 kg

James Mackintosh (1765–1832) was a Scottish lawyer, liberal philosopher, politician, journalist and historian. His most famous work, Vindiciae Gallicae (1791), was a reply to Edmund Burke's Reflections on the French Revolution. Burke considered it the best answer to his essay, and, together with Thomas Paine's Rights of Man, the most significant. However, subsequent events in France caused Mackintosh to reconsider his views on the French Revolution, and he later became an admirer of Burke. He argued for gradual democratic reform in England to prevent radical upheaval. The Historical Sketch, based mainly on French sources, was published in 1792, and outlines the origins of the French Revolution and its course until the start of that year. Mackintosh argues that differences in the French and British constitutions could explain why violent revolution had broken out in France but not in Britain.

Part I: 1. The author partly espouses Mr. Burke's sentiments
2. The rise of sovereignty in France
3. The latter years of the reign of Lewis XV detested and ridiculed
4. The effects of the American war in France
5. The difference between England and France briefly stated
6. The factions classed in three great divisions
7. The first open act of violence committed in Paris
8. Conclusion of the king's speech at the opening of the States-General
9. All government at an end in the city of Paris
10. The Bastille taken by storm
11. Reflections on the distressing situation of the queen of France
12. The National Assembly alarmed at these horrid excesses
13. All titles existing in France abolished for ever
14. The oaths taken by the king, people, and army
Appendix
Part II: 15. Remarks on the National Assembly
16. The royal family treated as criminals
17. The Assembly dissolved
18. Remarks on the new Republic of America
Appendix.

Subject Areas: European history [HBJD]