Everything Everywhere Daily The Cult of Reason
Feb 9, 2023
The French Revolution sparked not just political change but a social upheaval against the Catholic Church. Discover the bold attempt to establish the 'Cult of Reason,' a state-imposed belief system unlike any other. The podcast delves into Enlightenment ideals that inspired revolutionary reforms and the chaotic rise of anti-clerical sentiments. As dramatic events unfolded, including the September Massacre, the quest for a secular society ultimately faced challenges, leading to a return to Catholicism under Napoleon.
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Church As Pillar Of The Ancien Régime
- The Catholic Church was the largest social institution in pre-revolutionary France and shaped daily life more than the monarchy.
- Attacking the Church meant attacking the social order, not just political leadership.
Enlightenment Framed Revolutionary Change
- Enlightenment ideals of reason and liberty framed the revolutionaries' goals and legitimized radical reform.
- Revolutionary leaders used those values to dismantle traditional authority structures like the Church.
Dismantle Power Through Legal Measures
- Remove institutional privileges and seize assets to weaken entrenched power quickly, as the National Constituent Assembly did with church property.
- Subordinate institutions to the state to enforce compliance, using elections and oaths where necessary.