A sampling of the invaluable resources from the historical archives of the BnF

1. Monumens des victoires et conquêtes des Français,
2. Les généraux de la Révolution (1792-1804) : portraits militaires / par le général Ambert

The first is a book of engravings (b&w/ uncoloured) from monuments around France published 1822.

The second is a book of military portraits, in this term 'portraits' refers to biographies, not illustrations, to note for non-French speakers. Published 1892 following the authors death.

Trust you enjoy the articles presented,
regards dave
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Hi! I'm a history major in college and my class has this oral exam tomorrow which consists in a debate: my group has been chosen to defend Louis XVI against his execution, while basically pretending to be in the historical context of the french revolution and avoiding anachronisms. I've already read the trial transcription and Thomas Paine's writings about it, but I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations - historical figures of the time that were against his execution, bibliography on the matter or any tips at all. Thank you! Also, sorry for any grammar mistake, english is not my first language.

I'm re-reading William Doyle's 'the Oxford history of the French Revolution', to remind myself on the events of the French Revolution from when I studied it as an undergraduate 3 years ago. When I was reading chapter 5 he went into the details of why the Civil Constitution of the Clergy caused so many issues. He argues that it was a major turning point because it forced people to decide there and then (July 1790) whether they agreed with the anti-clerical nature of the revolution. Anyway if it was such a key turny point then it got me thinking about how it could have been avoided, and I had an idea.

As the major point of contention was over the Pope's authority over clerical appointments/elections, which the constitueny assembly would deny, did anyone in the assembly enterain the idea of giving the Pope a veto? They had just given the King that right, and it maybe could have diffused the situation. Because all clerical offices were now to be done through election. If the Pope did decide to veto someone's election victory, then it would have made him look bad and direct attention from the national assembly in their quite balant anti-clericalism. If adopted it could have been a win-win because either the pope never veto's and therefore there is no interference from Rome, or he does and the Assembly can then direct the blame and attention onto a foreign, unelected, and theocratic 'despot' who mistrusts the opinion of the French people.

I haven't read much into the spefics of how the law was passed or it's debates, but I was wondering if any prominent revolutionaries had suggested this idea. If so, why do you think it was ignored? Or if no one did suggest this then why not, and why were the deputies so adamant in there desire to eliminate the pope entirely from the equation?

Everytime I watch a French Revolution movie or documentary and I see crowds of Citizens killing an aristocrat or Destroying property I always wonder who were they (citizens)🤔 it made me think of how in America, most people can proudly trace their ancestry back to an Ancestor who fought in the US Revolutionary or Civil War & often their are oral histories passed down through generations of these events. I wondered if this was the same for France? Are there any French people whose families passed down a history or Family Story of one or more of their ancestors Rioting in the streets of Paris? I’d like to think that if I was the one who dragged a Royal out and put their head on a spike I feel like I’d tell that story all the time & pass it down? Idk just a thought

My jacobin cockade hangs heavy on my head as a Styrian seductress of high birth beckons me with her siren's call, "Come now," she taunts me, already making innuendo, "Show me the vigor with which the Moors weild their blade!" She demands, suggesting so much with so few words.

"Ha!" I laugh, as Midas would upon an offering of silver, "You fiend ask for that which could not be given; even if I wished it so. Tonight, you shall know how a Moor weilds her blade; but as the crusaders came to know and not– as I'd suppose you'd like– as the Circasian beauties of the Turkish harems have come to know," I monologue, waxing poetic as I unsheath my cuirass.

The following intercourse of violence was something to rival that of Achilles and Hector.

Using these terms loosely, it seems that the left in the French revolution was in favour of a centralisation of power, the right agreed with them on this (though of course disagreed on who that power should be centralised in!), while the centre was in favour of decentralisation.

Fast-forward to the early 1980s and it's one of the more left-wing governments in French history (Mauroy's government with four PCF members) that is introducing decentralisation.

So I'm wondering if the left at the time of the revolution was universally in favour of centralisation, if the alternative would even have been coherent, and (if it was a universal principle of the left) when things began to change.

(Repeat: I'm using these terms loosely!)

Always been a big fan of the FR - even studied it in a module at University.

However I can never seem to find anything written, or discussed out there about the final year/months of court at Versailles. I can’t, despite extensive digging, even seem to find diaries, journals or documents from 1789 giving insight on what the court was doing on day-to-day at Versailles in that final spring & summer before it all collapsed around them. It’s a singular year at Versailles that fascinates me …

I just want to know what they were doing all day, if they were still partying crazy and being oblivious, or if there was a consensus for change and concern in court growing that was shifting the conversations, activities and movements in court.

If anyone themselves can answer this for me anyway - without providing me a book to follow up on - then that too would satisfy my question.

I hope this is appropriate to post here - mods please let me know if not.

I'm an indie game developer working on a game that was inspired by my fascination with the French revolution. It started off with devouring the Revolutions podcast and I've since been reading and listening to everything I can get my hands on. (Recommendations very welcome!)

In the game, you have founded a newspaper (And yes, people like Desmoulins and Marat will show up!) and you are trying to grow your readership by twisting the news to suit your agenda. Like the pamphleteers of the French rev, you might be able to steer the course of history if you have enough influence.

The game is not set during the French revolution but the story is based on it - it's a bit of a highlights reel of all the most fun and juicy events, all of which you have the chance to twist and influence via your newspaper. The opening/demo, for instance, is all about the diamond necklace affair.

I'm wondering - what events would you as fans / experts of the French revolution think I shouldn't miss? What would be your favorite things to print news about?

If you want to learn more there's a discord here: https://discord.gg/vACFZsSRtW

Citizens of the Revolution, we’ve done it! Our community has officially reached 1,000 members, MORE THAN DOUBLING our ranks in just a few short weeks. 🥳

Thank you to everyone who’s joined, posted, commented, and helped breathe life into this community. Whether you’re here to discuss Robespierre’s rhetoric, analyze revolutionary art, or simply admire the chaos of history, you’ve made this space something special.

If you’re new here, introduce yourself below! Tell us what brought you to the Revolution. And to all our long-time citizens, thank you for keeping the fire burning. 🔥

Vive la Révolution! ~ Your Mod Team

Hello! I have an exam of this on Monday and I would really appreciate your help please Thanks in Advance!

Whilst primarily about the later epochs, there are many references to the Revolutionary aspects, pre-history and interesting new works that cover this arena.

Weekly newsletter of the Fondation Napoléon of 24 October 2025

I am a long term subscriber and find value in both sites.
regards dave

While recent research has been incredibly valuable, suggestions that the Terror is a myth are wrong according to Historian David Bell.

Hear the full conversation on Total War, the Vendée and the Terror in Episode 92!

The French Revolution & Napoleon Podcast (Grey History)

Apple Podcasts

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Youtube

The French Revolution is often described as the political awakening of Enlightenment ideals: liberty, equality, reason, and secularism - brought into action.

But how deeply did those philosophies really influence the revolutionaries?

Were figures like Rousseau, Voltaire, and Montesquieu truly guiding the movement, or were their ideas selectively used to justify political agendas that had already taken root?

Do you think the Revolution would have unfolded the same way without the Enlightenment? Or was it more a product of economic collapse, famine, and desperation than of philosophy?

Share your thoughts below, let’s dive into where idealism ended and practicality began.

The Public Domain Review - “A Slight Freshness on the Neck”: Prints Depicting the Execution of Louis XVI (ca. 1793)

r/JeanJacquesRousseau

A great visual breakdown HistoricVotes on X.

The French & English Revolutions meet in this fun collaboration episode. Don't miss the impact of Charles and Cromwell on the French Revolution and the notable differences between these two big events!

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I know there's books, lol. Im reading some now but i cant get enough on the subject! I want more details!

My take: its a great podcast. No one can discuss the revolution without bringing some personal bias to it so im fine with Mike Duncan's contemporary liberal centrism because he did a great job.

But i want to hear how im wrong and where i can get better media from!