The French Revolution by 1815 - Essay Example

The aim and cry that was pinned against the French Revolution was that of democracy. Very early in the course of activities that unfolded during the revolution, the revolution lost its impact. This can be supported and said based on the fact that entities like the Reign of Terror came into existence(Lutz and Lutz, 194).

Reign of Terror, as the name would imply was one outright reactionary and non-elected entity. It was completely violent in its outlook and it worked on principles of revolt and a reactionary mindset. Revolutionary measures and not evolutionary measures were the cry and manifesto of the Reign of Terror.

The slaying of the King in an inhumane manner speaks of the failure of the revolution.

The initial troubles faced by France in the form of offensives by Prussia and Austria termed it another failure at hand, given the fact that the country and its people were faced with the problems from inside, least to solve and spare resources for the external aggression.

The only democratic entity that came into power was the Directory. It lasted from 1795 to 1799, however, it was marred by a plethora of flaws and shortcomings on its own. It was faced with challenges of corruption, an inability on behalf of the elected members, the lack of institutions, and various other elements that make or break a democratic institution and organization. Hence from this perspective as well, the French Revolution may not be termed a success story.

The rise of Napoleon Bonaparte to power marked a severe blow to the entire activity of the revolution. He was a military man who had taken over the power in the Brumaire coup, and later on paved his way towards the lifelong Emperor of France (Scott, 2). Hence, the revolution that was initiated to bring about democracy in the country ended up providing a platform for a usurper like Napoleon Bonaparte to enact his empire and declare himself emperor. These hawks are naked and wide into the eyes of those who declared the revolution a success.

The final blow was suffered by French Revolution in the wake of the establishment of the Concert of Europe(Lee, 25). An entity established to counter any revolution that may be similar in form to the French Revolution of 1789. The establishment and rise of the status quo yet again, aiming to thwart any offensive driven along the lines of liberalism and nationalistic spirit meant a failure of the Revolution.

The working of Concert of Europe in high spirits and to great affectivity till 1848 meant the revolution which was undertaken nearly six decades ago was hurdled and stopped from its ambitions and motives for a longer period, as long as one generation’s passing through a lifetime.

In the context of domestic affairs of France, the rise of the individuals like King Louise XVIII, and Napoleon III to power in 1815 and 1852 respectively meant the establishment of the status quo yet again, and in other words failure of the French Revolution. Since Napoleon the Third had his rule lasted till 1870, meaning the country and its people were kept away from real democracy in letter and spirit, as a result, it can be said that the French Revolution was a complete failure in this context.

The establishment of the Holy Alliance in 1815(Dussen and Wilson, 50) marked another severe blow toward the real objectives of the French Revolution. The main objective set forth against the existence of the Holy Alliance was the fact that actions must be taken to ensure that no other revolution like that of France’s 1789 revolution may take place.

Both domestic affairs as well as international affairs that took place in Europe between 1789 and 1815 took out the real essence of the French Revolution and resulted in making it a failure.