Book SummaryA New World Begins, by Jeremy D. Popkin

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of A New World Begins

The social, political, and economic elements that triggered the commencement of the French upheaval.

The former system was marked by a distinct social hierarchy and inequalities.

This section of the text delves into the deep-seated inequalities and societal cleavages that defined France's social hierarchy prior to the Revolution, commonly known as the ancien régime. Accumulated inequalities over the years culminated in a broad surge of dissatisfaction in 1789, as Jeremy D. Popkin has noted.

The queen's lavish lifestyle and the court's opulence played a significant role in exacerbating societal strains.

The lavish Versailles Palace, emblematic of the French royal family's wealth and detachment, was a stark contrast to the everyday existence of the common people. Despite previous monarchs limiting their political sway, the aristocracy still held significant wealth, played important roles in government, and were not subject to certain taxes. The lavish lifestyle of the royal court, especially the money Marie-Antoinette spent on clothing and gambling, fueled the anger of the common people who bore the financial burdens of the kingdom. Marie-Antoinette, hailing from Austria and seemingly indifferent to the plight of the destitute, became a central target of criticism.

Practical Tips

• Reflect on your personal spending habits by keeping a monthly expense journal to identify areas where you might be living beyond your means. This can help you become more aware of your financial impact and encourage a more sustainable lifestyle. For example, if you notice a significant portion of your budget goes to luxury items or services, consider scaling back and finding more cost-effective alternatives.
• Start a conversation with friends or family about the impact of conspicuous consumption on society. Use current events or historical examples that parallel the opulence of the court to illustrate how lavish lifestyles can contribute to social divides. For instance, discuss how celebrity culture and social media influencers flaunting their wealth can create unrealistic standards and social pressure among their followers.
• Use your wardrobe choices to express approachability and relatability. Clothing can be a powerful tool in signaling your status and how relatable you are to others, much like the opulence of Versailles communicated the royal family's status. When dressing for social or professional events, choose outfits that strike a balance between looking presentable and not appearing overly extravagant or detached from the context you're in. This can help foster a sense of connection and accessibility with the people you meet.
• Start a journal where you document observations of social contrasts in your own community. Take note of the architecture, amenities, and conditions of different neighborhoods. This practice will sharpen your awareness of socioeconomic disparities and may inspire thoughts on community development or social justice.
• Create a personal finance plan that includes a section for charitable giving or community investment. By allocating a portion of your income to support local initiatives or candidates who advocate for equitable power distribution, you're actively participating in shaping a more balanced political landscape. Research organizations or individuals that align with your values and commit to regular contributions.
• Create a personal finance group with friends or community members to discuss and share tax-saving strategies. Regular meetings with peers to talk about financial planning, including tax optimization, can lead to the discovery of collective wisdom and lesser-known tax tips. As you exchange experiences and advice, you might find that someone else's approach to handling taxes could be adapted to your own financial situation, leading to potential savings.
• Create a "needs and wants" list before going shopping. On one side, list items you need to purchase, and on the other, items you want but don't necessarily need. When you're out shopping, commit to buying only from the needs list. If you're tempted by something on the wants list, wait a week before purchasing to see if the desire passes. This delay can help reduce impulse buying and ensure that your spending aligns with your actual needs.
• Start a 'kindness journal' where you document one act of kindness or support you offer to someone less fortunate each day. This practice encourages you to actively seek out opportunities to help others and reflect on the impact of your actions. You might choose to buy a meal for a homeless person, donate clothes you no longer wear, or simply spend time listening to someone who needs to talk.

The growing discontent among the common folk was fueled by their focus on the exclusive societal advantages and privileges held by the aristocracy.

Popkin emphasizes how the persistent privileges of the nobility epitomized the profound inequalities ingrained in French society. The aristocracy was privileged with numerous tax exemptions, with the taille being a significant burden that fell predominantly on the broader populace. They alone were solely entitled to fill prominent positions in both the government and the Church, reaping numerous social benefits, such as the exclusive authorization to bear arms, partake in hunting activities, and benefit from a more forgiving approach within the legal system when accused of crimes, in contrast to ordinary citizens. The exclusive privileges of the aristocracy created a profound division between the upper echelons and the general public, since these advantages were unattainable to the common folk on account of their ancestry.

Other Perspectives

• The discontent could have been exacerbated by external agitators or intellectuals who highlighted the differences between classes, rather than the privileges themselves causing discontent.
• The focus on nobility's privileges might...

A New World Begins Summary The era marked by transformative upheaval was defined by critical junctures, significant transformations, and fierce struggles for dominance.

Following the assembly of the Estates General, the National Assembly was formed.

The book scrutinizes the early phases of the Revolution, highlighting the transformation of the Estates General, summoned by Louis XVI and his counselors to tackle the financial crisis, into the National Assembly, which proclaimed its power to enact substantial changes to the constitutional structure of France. Popkin emphasizes how, despite the efforts of the participants to avoid violence, the dramatic events of the summer of 1789 transformed the Revolution into a popular movement.

The catalyst for the revolutionary movement was the audacious rejection of traditional voting procedures by the Third Estate.

Popkin clarifies that the initial intent of the delegates at the Estates General was to reform the monarchy rather than to completely dismantle it. The assembly faced a critical decision early on: to either gather as a single body with each member's vote having the same importance or to form three separate factions based on the clergy, nobility, and commoners, which quickly became a source of dispute. The upper echelons of society were in favor of an electoral system designed to...

A New World Begins Summary Debates on rights, citizenship, and governance arose, driven by the principles of revolutionary thought.

The influence of Enlightenment principles on the development of thought among Revolutionaries.

In this section, Popkin emphasizes the discrepancy between the French revolutionaries' claims of creating an entirely new form of government and their regular dependence on ideas that had developed throughout the previous decades and centuries. Enlightenment philosophers' disapproval of absolute monarchy, combined with their analysis of the perspectives offered by the parlements, intensified their resistance to the autocratic rule of Louis XV. While considering the creation of a government that would be built upon the consent of its people, they looked to the newly formed United States and Britain's enduring constitutional monarchy for inspiration. After August 1792, the revolution took a dramatic turn, and the concept of the "general will" as envisioned by Rousseau became the cornerstone for those driving the revolutionary movement.

The essential connection was between the innate liberties and rights of individuals and the tenets of democratic governance.

The revolutionaries' conviction that a strong government should commit to the public welfare was a significant...

A New World Begins Summary The escalation of the revolutionary fervor culminated in the creation of an autocratic regime and the dissolution of the monarchy's power.

The techniques and strategies used during the era of intense revolutionary unrest.

This section explores the tumultuous times referred to as the Republic's second year, which extended from September 1793 to July 1794, after the Girondins were aggressively ousted during the incidents that occurred at the close of May and the start of June 1793. Popkin explores the creation of an unprecedented system of revolutionary governance that allowed France to triumph over foreign enemies and quell domestic rebellions by adopting rigorous measures and significantly enlarging the state's power, even though this resulted in the disintegration of the early solidarity that fueled the Revolution's beginnings. He underscores that the revolutionary government, born out of the populace's disdain for the ruling elite, paradoxically enacted policies that were at odds with the principles of liberty proclaimed in 1789, which in turn alienated a wide swath of the population and set the stage for its collapse with the Thermidorian reaction in July 1794.

The establishment of the Committee of Public Safety, along with the setting up of the Revolutionary Tribunal and the appointment of special...