The Genesis of the French Revolution
A Global Historical Interpretation

This book, first published in 2004, offers an interesting synthesis of the long- and short-term causes of the French Revolution.

Bailey Stone (Author)

9780521445702, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 25 February 1994

284 pages
22.9 x 15.3 x 2 cm, 0.556 kg

"...Stone has performed a useful service in bringing together recent historical work on these topics and blending them into a concise narrative of France's slide towrd 1789....Stone writes clearly, and his argument is easy to follow....[T]he book will certainly appeal to students trying to make sense of a bulging and untidy historical literature. The synthesis of works on the neglected field of early modern France's international relations is particularly helpful." David A. Bell, Journal of Interdisciplinary History

The Genesis of the French Revolution, first published in 1994, offers an interesting synthesis of the long- and short-term causes of the French Revolution. Instead of focusing exclusively upon developments within France, the book immediately places the country, and its revolution, within an international setting. Bailey Stone argues that the French Revolution stemmed from the pre-revolutionary state's converging failures in international and domestic affairs; the monarchy failed not only to remain in touch with changing social, intellectual, and political realities at home, but also to harness its citizens' ambitions and talents to the purpose of maintaining the country's international power and prestige. This analysis also provides a key to comprehending the course of events in revolutionary and post-revolutionary France - and an insight into why revolutionary movements broke out in the former USSR and its surrounding countries.

Acknowledgements
Maps
Introduction
1. The legacy of French history: the geopolitical challenge
2. The legacy of French history: the sociopolitical challenge
3. The approaches to revolution, 1774–88: the geopolitical challenge
4. The approaches to revolution, 1774–88: the sociopolitical challenge
5. The onset of revolution: from August 1788 to October 1789
Conclusion
Suggestions for further reading
Index.

Subject Areas: Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900 [HBLL], European history [HBJD]