Daily Life During the French Revolution

The French Revolution sought to change daily life itself. This book looks at the thirteen years between 1789-1802 that experienced the Terror, the banning of the aristocracy, and the rearrangement of the calendar. No part of French life was left untouched during this remarkable period of turmoil and warfare, from women's role in the family to men's role in the state. Art and theatre were invigorated and harnessed for political purposes. Subtleties in one's dress could mean the difference between life and death. The first modern mass army was created. Chapters address the physical make-up of France; the social and political background of the revolution; the First Republic; religion, church and state; urban life; rural life; family life; the fringe society; clothes and fashion; food and drink; the role of women; military life; education; health and medicine; and writers, artists, musicians and entertainment. The author breathes life into the world of those living during the French Revolution. This book illuminates the lives of those living during the French Revolution and provides a basis for further research. Black and white photographs, maps, and charts are interspersed throughout the text. Reference features include a timeline of events, glossaries of terms and names, an annotated bibliography of print and electronic resources suitable for student research, and an index.