Saturday, January 25, 2014

Terror: Robespierre and the French Revolution (1/6) (+playlist)





This to me is one of the most important pieces put out about the Reign on Terror following the French Revolution. I have an old World History Professor who might disagree with some of the analysis (he was very keen on the French Revolution). Watch this and the rest of the playlist with thought that the past is prologue.

Think on the select quotes from some of those who were key to the Reign of Terror:

SAINT-JUST: The legislator commands the future. It is for him to will the good of mankind. It is for him to make men what he wills them to be.
ROBESPIERRE: The function of government is to direct the physical and moral powers of the nation toward the end for which the commonwealth has come into being.
BILLAUD-VARENNES: A people who are to be returned to liberty must be formed anew. A strong force and vigorous action are necessary to destroy old prejudices, to change old customs, to correct depraved affections, to restrict superfluous wants, and to destroy ingrained vices…. Citizens, the inflexible austerity of Lycurgus created the firm foundation of the Spartan republic. The weak and trusting character of Solon plunged Athens into slavery. This parallel embraces the whole science of government.

LE PELLETIER: Considering the extent of human degradation, I am convinced that it is necessary to effect a total regeneration and, if I may so express myself, of creating a new people.”

Sounds like a lot of hope and change right?

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