The Fear of Commoners and Street Mobs: The French Aristocracy and Upper Class Before the French Revolution

The French Revolution, one of the most pivotal periods in European history, was preceded by intense social and economic tensions that gripped the nation. The fear of commoners and street mobs was palpable among the French aristocracy and upper class. This essay delves into the roots of this fear, highlighting the volatile and often hungry populace and the many uprisings that preceded the revolution.

Volatility and Hunger Among the French Population

The French were known for their volatility and passion, traits that were exacerbated by their frequent hunger. The complex supply chains existing at the time made it difficult for people to understand that disruptions in the grain supply due to adverse weather conditions or warfare were the true causes of various outbreaks. The people of Paris, for instance, imagined that the 200% spike in the cost of bread was a result of hoarding—torturing millers and raiding bakeries became common measures to obtain grain.

The inability to comprehend the real causes of this economic crisis led to a collective anger that often erupted into violence. Riots in Paris were a common occurrence, forcing the monarchy to construct the Palace of Versailles, distant from the capital, to ensure the king’s safety during such disturbances. The idea was that by being far away, the king could respond more effectively to any large-scale unrest.

Peasant Riots and the Jacqueries

In rural areas, peasants often engaged in what were known as Jacqueries, a form of rural uprising. These rebellions were characterized by the taking over of castles, the massacre of inhabitants, and the burning of records to destroy land deeds. This lawlessness was particularly pronounced during the 14th century, as documented by historians such as Barbara Tuchman in her book A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century.

Shift in Attitude Before the French Revolution

Before the first unsuccessful Russian revolution (1905–07), there was a widespread belief among the elite that such uprisings were relics of the past. Elsewhere in Europe, particularly in southern Ukraine and Moldova, there were pogroms in the 1890s and 1900s, which although dangerous for the Jewish population, were not a serious threat to the powers that be.

However, the events following the failed Russian revolution in 1905 shocked and frightened the French aristocracy and upper class. After witnessing the subsequent outcome, there was a realization that such uprisings could indeed recur and potentially lead to chaos. Yet, there was a critical lack of action to address the underlying issues, reflecting an attempt to manage the situation through fear and force rather than through reform.

Premonition and the Outbreak of World War I

The Second French Revolution became inevitable, and the hardships of World War I only accelerated the process. The prolonged and grueling nature of the conflict highlighted the structural weaknesses in the existing social and economic systems, paving the way for the more radical changes that would ultimately come with the French Revolution.

In conclusion, the fear of commoners and street mobs was a significant driver of the political dynamics in pre-revolutionary France. Understanding these fears and the events that preceded the revolution is crucial for comprehending the complexity and scale of the changes that followed.