Western civilisation notes-2025-03-12

Introduction

  • Discussion on biases while reading historical texts by Karl Marx and Alexis de Tocqueville.

  • Contrast in styles and perspectives between Marx's urgent narrative and Tocqueville's calm analysis.

Perspectives on Revolutions

  • Karl Marx:

    • Captures the energetic nature of revolts and civil unrest, particularly during 1848.

    • Paints a vivid picture of chaos with barricades and violence.

    • Portrays the working class struggles, although it simplifies complex realities.

  • Alexis de Tocqueville:

    • Takes a more detached tone, analyzing revolutions through a lens of historical caution.

    • Distrusts the potential for revolution to yield positive change.

    • Reflects on past events, suggesting a wariness towards revolutionary movements.

Historical Context and Background

  • Both authors show awareness of historical events and past revolutions, particularly in France.

  • Recognition of the energy of protests and uprisings:

    • Marx captures the mob mentality, emphasizing raw emotions.

    • Tocqueville is critical, pointing out the potential for chaos and failure.

Social Contract and Political Tensions

  • Evolution of the social contract theory emphasizes responsibilities of governments toward citizens.

  • Increased dissatisfaction in societies as governments fail to address economic downturns and civil unrest.

  • Events in the 1830s lead to both fear and anxiety about revolutions in Europe.

Methods to Prevent Revolutions

  • Strategies adopted by governments:

    • Distract with wars.

    • Address basic needs like food security to reduce unrest.

  • Britain as a case study:

    • British lawmakers observe revolts, respond with gradual reforms to placate the masses.

Notable Political Events

  • Peterloo Massacre (1819): A significant protest for representation leads to a harsh military response, igniting further liberal movements in Britain.

  • Reform Bill of 1832: Changes parliamentary representation, reflects the growing liberal sentiment and the outcomes of observing revolts in France.

The Role of Economic Issues

  • The impact of economic downturns leading to public dissatisfaction in Britain and France:

    • Potato famine in Ireland and crop failures in Central Europe contribute to widespread impoverishment.

    • Economic strife becomes a catalyst for revolutionary thought and action.

The 1848 Revolutions

  • Start of revolutions in France which spurs similar movements across Europe:

    • Louis Philippe abdicates; the Second French Republic is declared.

  • Provisional governments set up to prepare for true democratic processes, though faced with economic challenges and dissent.

The Rise of Louis Napoleon

  • Louis Napoleon elected president under the new republic, with hopes for reform but a looming desire for more power.

  • The significance of plebiscites and changes in governance under the Second Republic.

German Confederation

  • Similar revolutionary fervor inspires the German Confederation to pursue liberal reforms:

    • Abolishment of serfdom and establishment of self-governance in Prussia.

    • Formation of the Zollverein (customs union) to promote free trade, excluding Austria.

Conclusion

  • The interplay of social unrest, economic discontent, and political reforms across Europe during the revolutions of 1848 sets the stage for a significant shift in power dynamics, illustrating the complex history of revolutions.