Analysing historian’s perspectives Coursework

1. In terms of participants, is it true to say that the ‘patriot’ movement was made up purely of bourgeois who wanted to overthrow the nobility?

Soboul had a belief that the movement consisted only of bourgeoisie, however this is not entirely accurate. The movement included members from all three Estates. The Third Estate was the most predominant. Together with the bourgeoisie, the peasants and town workers played a key role in the formation of the movement and their actions and protests. The bourgeoisie were an integral part in the ‘patriot’ movement, yet there were other groups involved who all had the same intent; to overthrow the nobility and destroy the ancient feudal system.

2. In terms of aims, is it true to say that the ‘patriot’ movement aimed only to solve problems that affected the bourgeoisie?
The movement’s aim was not solely focused on grievances that affected the bourgeoisie. Many of the grievances listed in the cahiers de Doleance were commonly felt by all groups. Each Estate and group had various grievances that affected them greatly and were used as their primary objective. There were many issues and problems that were intended to be solved during the movement. bourgeosie 3. What does Soboul understand by a ‘bourgeois’ relvolution?

Soboul believes that a “bourgeoisie revolution” was the reason for the French Revolution. He believes that the modern bourgeois appeared during the revolution and were the forcefield behind the revolution. The Marxist theory states that the bourgeoisie were angered by it’s exclusion from the highest powers in France, and challenged the ancient regime. He is under the belief that the intention and outcome of the revolution is focussed on the bourgeoisie, who were the true revolutioners.

4. Why would an historian like Soboul be anxious to prove that the French Revolution confirmed Karl Marx’s theory of the ‘stages’ of the development of human society?

Soboul is anxious to prove the Marx theory is an accurate study of human society, by using the French Revolution as an example. He is keen to prove the theory because if the French Revolution proves not to support the theory, people will begin to question the theory. Soboul and his fellow historians would not want their entire life studies to be proved inaccurate or forgotten. Soboul would be intent on ensuring the theory’s longevity. It is very important for historians who have dedicated their life to verifying the Marxist theory, for the theory to be proven correct.