2nd Essay - Rough Draft In Rousseau, Burke, and Revolution in France, 1791 author Gary Kates states that “Furet [claimed] the Revolution embraced a radical ideology of popular sovereignty so that any abuse of power could be excused so long as it was achieved in the name of the people” (175). Personally, I agree with this statement because the people were willing to do anything to get what they desired. The French Revolution was built upon the fact that French citizens desired to control the fate of their own country and not have a sole figure, the King, be in charge of it. In order to achieve what was desired, citizens of France frequently abused power. Instances include creation of the “Tennis Court Oath”, the “Declaration on the Rights of Man and Citizen”, and other forms of legislation. Such ideas were propelled by the
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Another popular philosopher during the Revolution era, Burke was often found on the opposing side of Rousseau. Burk thoroughly disagreed with the Revolution and believed that France needed a little fixing, not a complete makeover. In his “Reflections on the Revolution in France” Burke states “In a democracy the majority of the citizens is capable of exercising the most cruel oppressions upon the minority” (105-106). An excellent example of this is the voting practices of the National Assembly. A majority vote resulting in either a piece of legislation being passed or denied. In the trial of King Louis the XVI he was voted to be executed by the majority of one vote.***** This quotation excellently portrays Furet’s idea that power could be abused as long as the people desired it. The cruelty of the people appeared numerous times throughout the Revolution in forms of various hangings, lootings, and destruction of property. Civilians easily got away with such actions because there was such a larger amount of them compared to that of political officials or
Another popular philosopher during the Revolution era, Burke was often found on the opposing side of Rousseau. Burk thoroughly disagreed with the Revolution and believed that France needed a little fixing, not a complete makeover. In his “Reflections on the Revolution in France” Burke states “In a democracy the majority of the citizens is capable of exercising the most cruel oppressions upon the minority” (105-106). An excellent example of this is the voting practices of the National Assembly. A majority vote resulting in either a piece of legislation being passed or denied. In the trial of King Louis the XVI he was voted to be executed by the majority of one vote.***** This quotation excellently portrays Furet’s idea that power could be abused as long as the people desired it. The cruelty of the people appeared numerous times throughout the Revolution in forms of various hangings, lootings, and destruction of property. Civilians easily got away with such actions because there was such a larger amount of them compared to that of political officials or