Education and the French Revolution

The book gives the student of the history of education, of social history and modern France a useful survey of a central topic.

H. C. Barnard (Author)

9780521108881, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 12 February 2009

280 pages
20.3 x 12.7 x 1.6 cm, 0.3 kg

The French Revolution was the first of the great social upheavals which transformed European society; its effects on the French national educational system and its wider influence on education is obviously important. Little has been written on the topic and Professor Barnard offers a modern study. He begins with a survey of the educational system under the Ancien Régime and describes the criticisms and schemes of reform which had already been offered before the Revolution. Then follow accounts of the educational activities of the revolutionary assemblies and the individual institutions set up during the period. The story ends with an account of the lasting influence of these reforms. Throughout, Professor Barnard emphasises the importance of the concept of education as a fundamental civic right and the duty of the state to provide and regulate it. The book gives the student of the history of education, of social history and modern France a useful survey of a central topic.

Preface
1. French education in the period immediately preceding the Revolution
2. Eighteenth-century criticisms of education under the Ancien Regime
3. Pre-Revolution projects for a national system of education
4. The States-General. The cahiers. Mirabeau's educational project
5. Talleyrand's report
6. The Legislative Assembly, Condorcet's report. The education of women
7. The Convention. The reports of Lanthenas and Romme
8. The Sieye's-Daunou-Lakanal report. National festivals. Lepelletier's project
9. Romme's report of 1793. The cult of the Supreme Being
10. L'Ecole Polytechnique. L'Ecole des Armes. L'Ecole de Mars
11. Ecoles de sante. The Museum. L'Ecole Normale. Other ecoles speciales
12. Lakanal's law on primary education. The central schools. The Daunou law of 1795
13. Independent schools under the Directory. Development of the central schools
14. The Consulate. The Chaptal report of 1800. The Fourcroy law of 1802
15. Educational influence of the Revolution. Napoleon and the Imperial University
16. Subsequent influence in France, England, the United States and Germany
Appendices
Index.

Subject Areas: Politics & government [JP]