Western Society Culture and the French Revolution - Research Paper Example

French Revolution Table of Contents Introduction 3 Thesis ment 3 Analysis 3 Findings 8 Conclusion 9 Bibliography 10 Introduction The history ofwestern society is directly proportional to the French Revolution which happened between the year 1789 and 1799. The French revolution was a period of drastic social and political turmoil in France that had a very strong significance in the history of French and modern history. Before the French revolution happened the Western society was mostly comprised of churches and very dominant monarchies. However after the revolution the Western Society started to change politically as well as socially and there was a rise of nationalism and democracy. This change not only happened in France however in the entire Europe. The French revolution played a very significant role in the entire nation for implementation of industrialization and many other factors which were previously not as much important. The French Revolution also had an adverse impact on social life for a prolonged time after it led to two pricey wars and a period of terrible yield in order to demand for a change. The main outcomes of the French Revolution were eradication of the monarchy system in France, formation of a democratic and secular republic that tend to become militaristic and dictatorial, fortified conflicts against other countries in Europe. The following analysis describes the positive influences of the French revolution based upon the thesis statement. Thesis Statement “French Revolution has several positive influences that helped to develop Western Society”. Analysis This analysis is related to the history of Europe since the year 1789. The French revolution plays a very significant role in the change of the Western Society. In the year 1776, thirteen colonies of America were at war with Great Britain and later the year they declared themselves as the independent states by forming the United States of America. They were no longer a part of the British Empire. This was the American Revolution that happened in that time. During the same time in year 1789, the French revolution started this revolution had a great impact on France as well as in the entire Europe. This revolution brought a drastic social and political turmoil in the entire Europe leading to several changes or can be regarded as an up gradation in the Western Society. In this period Marie Antoinette became the spouse of Louis XVI of France. The French people disliked her as she was enamored by her beauty and personality. After the fall of the French empire she was tried by the revolutionists, stating that her entrance in the province led to financial deficits in the empire. Marie Antoinette was later executed on 16th October 1793 by the Guillotine. Guillotine is an execution device which was used in the 17th century by the French for execution purposes. The execution of Mary Antoinette has many disputes and controversies as well by people stating she should have been treated with sympathy. During this period the first empire under Napoleon Bonaparte formed in the year 1804. The first empire of Napoleon was defeated militarily by an anti-Napoleonic mass in the year 18151. This coalition who defeated the Napoleon Empire brought the re-establishment of the Bourbons. During this period due to the revolution the Western Society became democratic and people had fair rights. This led to formation of a government who were more interested in public rights. Industrialization became the main factor to create a bonding within the Europe and this led to rise of a modern English Speaking World2. Between the year 1815 and 1870, there was greater changes that happened in the Western Society. The industrial revolution took place during 1750-1850, because of this there was a profound effect in the cultural, economical and social conditions of that time. There were huge changes that occurred in different sector by implementing a new era of social and political welfare in the Western Society. There were changes that took place consistently in transportation, social, economic and cultural conditions during that period; this change was possible because of the French Revolution which was the primary reason of the formation of a new kind of social and industrial set-up. The British Empire during this time was more advanced and started trading in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The Western Society because of its technological advancement which occurred as a result of the industrial revolution became prominent traders in the world. Though it can be said that this was a golden era which comprised of industrial development which helped the country’s economy, but there were several challenges within Europe. The English textile artisans had less work left to do resulting in low wage labor. This was a reason of small conflicts that happened during the period, but this period reflects the modern world as we see it today. During the period of 1870-1914, there were several changes that occurred. The Ottoman Empire declined in the year 1908, this empire suffered severe political and economic setbacks. During this period also there were a lot of developments in Culture, arts and science. Formation of the Republic of Ireland also took place during this period which included Great Britain and Ireland. This had a positive impact in the Western Society as it was the time when wars and conflicts were low and science and arts grew. During this period Joseph Lister a well known pioneer surgeon who reduced the mortality rates from many unknown diseases. Implementation of periodic table to display chemical elements in a tabular format used in organic chemistry was done during this period in history of Western Society. Neoclassicism, Romanticism and Impressionism were also originated during this period which shows that this was the period when culture, science and arts were at its peak. This period apart from development of cultural arts was also well-known for new imperialism. This was a golden period before the World War 1. The most important factor is that these developments were possible as a result of the French Revolution which began in later part of the 17th century. Western society from then had changed and there were various developments in the entire part of Western Society which lead to growth of industrial, cultural, political strengths also enlightening modern educational and knowledge system. During the phase of 1918-1939, after the World War 1, there was increase of women empowerment. Women were given equal rights by men3. During this period education were the most important criteria for judgment of a person and men and women were provided knowledge equally so that each and every citizen can become self responsible. Due to the impact of industrial revolution there was high employment generated in the Western Society providing different sources of income apart from agriculture and military. No doubt there were deficits everywhere after World War 1 as it was the most expensive wars occurring in the Western Society history, but people could overcome adverse effects of the conflict because of the industrial strength and knowledge they possessed4. After 1939, there was again another vast conflict developed which included almost all countries in the war. The World War 2 had a very tremendous effect in the Western Society as well however keeping the adverse things aside that led to devastation there were certain positive aspects that got in place after 1950. The Western Society was more into Globalization which helped them to trade in countries less advanced and to outsource jobs into outside countries at lesser labor costs. The currency value of the countries in Western Society were more compared to the countries were they traded so being technologically advanced made them to overcome the affects of World War 2 and quickly attain a stable position by outsourcing jobs in global market. This was the period when globalization came into picture. During the period of 1945-1980, after legalization of pre-marital sex and open-minded views on sex ethics there were widespread use of contraceptives in the entire Western Society. Not only this was the positive impact on the society the implementation of Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act made people elect their chosen government. This was a serious attempt made by the Western Society towards prosperity and integrity of citizens. These Acts made life of people easier than before and they were less harassed or frustrated by political opinions. People were given rights to choose their way of living. Labor system was tried to reduce and there was attempt made towards equality. This was the most important part in the history of Western Society for their prosperity after the French Revolutions. The ideas thought in the 17th century were finally incorporated and implemented in later part of the 19th century. Western Civilization after 1980 and 2000 as we know is well known for its democracy, rationality, equality and development both technologically and socially. The western Society starting from colonialism finally ended up being a complete democratic society. This was a huge leap in the history of Western Society from ancient civilization to modern civilization. Findings From the above analysis it is clear that there have been important developments happening since the year 1979. The Western Society from colonialism to democracy has changed a lot in terms of political and social views. Though the happenings with Maria Antoinette were not quite justified but the French Revolution brought out many positive differences in the life of Western Society. History of the Western Society gives important significance of growth of the Society in terms of industrialization, education, arts and culture. Women empowerment also gave a rise in public welfare and economical development of the Western Society. The French Revolution played very important role in the upbringing of advancements and new technologies. The French Revolution started in the year 1789 and it was brought to an end in the year 1799. The Revolution had a great impact in several ways in the social life of the Western Society. Reconstruction of the political structure from French Monarchy to establishment of democratic republic was an important step taken in the Western Societies developmental structure. In the modern era the same kind of government system is followed by the Western Society5. Implementation of armed cavalries shows the advancement in the technology during the later part of the 17th century. In respect to the French Revolution there were changes and conflicts happing in almost all parts of the Western Society. The Western Society in the 18th and 19th century also made significant developments in terms of generating mass employments and recruitment of women along with men in the same platform helped the national economy to grow and development of new technologies were abstract. The Western Society was far more competent in terms of cultural and moral values in the later part of 18th and 19th century. The Western Society united together to form a developed and strong Nation in this period. These were the most significant findings from the above analysis. Conclusion This research paper involves the Western Society culture starting from the 17th century, to be precise the year of 1789 which consisted of the French Revolution. The French Revolution had a very significant impact the development of Western Society. The Western Society in the 17th century was absolutely different in terms of political system, social acceptance, industrial developments, military and education. After the French revolution there were many disputes in the Western Society which lead to changes in life of people in every aspect possible. There were many tough times in the Western Society due to the conflicts that happened time to time however the developments would have not been possible without these conflicts. The most important factor as discussed in this research essay is the implementation of a democratic set-up. The democratic form of government was very helpful in life of people. Due to the democratic government there were public rights, women empowerment and social development possible. The Western Society in the 19th and 20th century developed completely leaving behind all types of controversies and loop-holes. The significance of the French revolution had many positive influences that helped the Western Society to develop in the modern world. Bibliography Bodo, Edith. “Official propaganda at noble and peasant level during the Napoleonic wars”. Annals of Oradea University Fasciola History 21, no. 1 (2011): 74-78. GMU. Primary source on Liberty, Equality and Fraternity: Exploring the French Revolution. 2014. < http://chnm.gmu.edu/revolution/d/3/>. Hagemann, Karen. “Be Proud and Firm, Citizens of Austria!" Patriotism and Masculinity in Texts of the" Political Romantics" Written during Austrias Anti-Napoleonic Wars”. Journal of German Studies Review 29, no. 1 (2006): 41.62. Holden, Katherfine. “Imaginary Widows: Spinsters, Marriage, and the “Lost Generation” in Britain after the Great War”. Journal of family History 30, no. 4 (2005): 388-409. Neville, Julia. “Challenge, Conformity and Casework in Interwar England: the first women councillors in Devon”. Journal of Women’s History Review 22, no. 6 (2013): 971-984. Read More