The 1789 Revolution had given the French a political script of unequalled drama. For the better part of the following century the temptation to reenact the play was irresistible.
The 1789 French Revolution created a powerful narrative of political upheaval and transformation, offering the French a dramatic framework for societal change. This initial revolt set in motion a series of events that highlighted the struggle for liberty and equality, captivating the imagination of the nation and beyond.
As a result, for the next hundred years, France repeatedly sought to relive this dramatic moment, attempting to replicate its intensity and significance....