What do you think?
Rate this book
The Norton History of Modern Europe #5
The Revolutionary Era, 1789-1850
The Revolutionary Era , Third Edition, provides a vivid historical account of the forces that shaped early nineteenth-century Europe. Thoroughly revised and updated in light of recent scholarship, the text introduces compelling perspectives on the French and Industrial Revolutions, integrates new discussions of cultural and social history, and expands coverage of southern and eastern Europe. While preserving the integrity of earlier editions, new coauthor Matthew Levinger broadens the analysis by exploring the everyday experiences of the working classes with those of the political and social elites. Illustrations, maps
334 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1970
6 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 26, 2015
This book documents a period of history beginning with the French Revolution up to the 1848 "Springtime of Nations" where revolutions broke out again in France and across Europe. It is useful to study this history in light of the frustrated revolutionary ambitions of Arab countries in our era. The best portions of the book in my opinion are of the French Revolution, and its building fervor and fanaticism followed by a "cooling off" period and ending with the Napoleonic regime. Napoleon's incredible career is also well documented, up to the failed 100 Days campaign and its defeat at Waterloo.
The divisions among revolutionaries in most countries, who began united against the old regime of monarchies and nobilities and later split themselves among working class and bourgeoise, mirrors somewhat the divisions between "Islamists" and "liberals" in contemporary revolutions. Furthermore the Romantic era intellectuals and artists bear some resemblance to religious revivalists in our time, albeit not in an immediately obvious way.
Recommended as a refresher in the cyclical nature of history and a reminder that the present moment is not sui generis, revolutionary change is a generational process and one can be hopefully in time Arab countries will make the positive progression they are seeking - although this will assuredly be a long and arduous process as it was in Europe.
The divisions among revolutionaries in most countries, who began united against the old regime of monarchies and nobilities and later split themselves among working class and bourgeoise, mirrors somewhat the divisions between "Islamists" and "liberals" in contemporary revolutions. Furthermore the Romantic era intellectuals and artists bear some resemblance to religious revivalists in our time, albeit not in an immediately obvious way.
Recommended as a refresher in the cyclical nature of history and a reminder that the present moment is not sui generis, revolutionary change is a generational process and one can be hopefully in time Arab countries will make the positive progression they are seeking - although this will assuredly be a long and arduous process as it was in Europe.
December 2, 2014
The French Revolution of 1789 gave birth to new ideas that would affect generations. Napoleon would rise to power and almost conquer all of Europe. The changes in France would inspire the revolutions of 1848. The author also addresses the Industrial Revolution.
February 6, 2021
This fourth volume in Norton’s excellent History of Modern Europe series (excellent, that is, with the exception of Leonard Krieger’s turgid book on the eighteenth century) develops the story through the French revolution, the Napoleonic wars, restoration following the Congress of Vienna, and subsequent political, economic, and social developments leading to the attempted revolutions of 1848.
Breunig’s straightforwardly written book is not a literary classic. But it excels in the exceptional clarity of his narration and explanations of events.
In a mere three pages, for example, Breunig brilliantly describes how cultural and religious differences between Belgium and the Netherlands – to which the former had been annexed as part of the 1815 settlement – superseded their complementary economies and underlay a revolt for independence by the Belgians in 1830. Belgian liberals and conservatives both joined. They rapidly succeeded in expelling the ruling Dutch house of Orange. Their neighbor France, supported by Britain, discouraged any intervention in response by the major powers. Russia, Prussia, and Austria were preoccupied with events in Poland and Italy. The Belgian revolt succeeded, and today’s Belgium was born.
Throughout the book, Breunig maintains superb balance, covering developments within Britain, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Russia, as well as the evolving interactions between them.
His appraisals of events are sharp and objective. He observes that during the French revolution, the Convention of 1792 that made the loudest proclamations about equality – and wrote a constitution full of democratic promises – in practice created a dictatorial regime that enforced its repression through terrorist bloodshed.
Later on, when discussing the Industrial Revolution, he rejects simplistic class-based analysis, remarking that while exploitation of child labor took decades to bring under regulation, industrialization nonetheless raised standards of living, life expectancy, and overall population levels. The amelioration of conditions for industrial workers was driven as much by bourgeois and aristocratic reformers as by working class movements.
Breunig’s chapter on the intellectual history of the period is challenged by space limitations. He includes a summary of Burke’s conservative reaction to events in France, and a more nuanced discussion of the origins and meanings of liberalism as then understood. His excellent explanation of nationalism identifies its political and philosophical roots, – including the profound ideas of Johann von Herder – describes its uneven relationship with liberalism, and illustrates its influence on politics and culture. Breunig’s paragraphs on Hegel become confusing, but the blame for that should probably rest with Hegel himself.
Supported by good maps and well-chosen illustrations, Breunig’s work is invaluable to new and veteran students of the era of blood-drenched revolution and industrial growth that set the stage for our own day.
Breunig’s straightforwardly written book is not a literary classic. But it excels in the exceptional clarity of his narration and explanations of events.
In a mere three pages, for example, Breunig brilliantly describes how cultural and religious differences between Belgium and the Netherlands – to which the former had been annexed as part of the 1815 settlement – superseded their complementary economies and underlay a revolt for independence by the Belgians in 1830. Belgian liberals and conservatives both joined. They rapidly succeeded in expelling the ruling Dutch house of Orange. Their neighbor France, supported by Britain, discouraged any intervention in response by the major powers. Russia, Prussia, and Austria were preoccupied with events in Poland and Italy. The Belgian revolt succeeded, and today’s Belgium was born.
Throughout the book, Breunig maintains superb balance, covering developments within Britain, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Russia, as well as the evolving interactions between them.
His appraisals of events are sharp and objective. He observes that during the French revolution, the Convention of 1792 that made the loudest proclamations about equality – and wrote a constitution full of democratic promises – in practice created a dictatorial regime that enforced its repression through terrorist bloodshed.
Later on, when discussing the Industrial Revolution, he rejects simplistic class-based analysis, remarking that while exploitation of child labor took decades to bring under regulation, industrialization nonetheless raised standards of living, life expectancy, and overall population levels. The amelioration of conditions for industrial workers was driven as much by bourgeois and aristocratic reformers as by working class movements.
Breunig’s chapter on the intellectual history of the period is challenged by space limitations. He includes a summary of Burke’s conservative reaction to events in France, and a more nuanced discussion of the origins and meanings of liberalism as then understood. His excellent explanation of nationalism identifies its political and philosophical roots, – including the profound ideas of Johann von Herder – describes its uneven relationship with liberalism, and illustrates its influence on politics and culture. Breunig’s paragraphs on Hegel become confusing, but the blame for that should probably rest with Hegel himself.
Supported by good maps and well-chosen illustrations, Breunig’s work is invaluable to new and veteran students of the era of blood-drenched revolution and industrial growth that set the stage for our own day.
December 20, 2024
Textbook for class, covered political and military events succinctly.
December 15, 2023
Edit: it looks like the citation has been corrected.
First, the citation is incorrect. This book was authored by Charles Breunig. The final book in this Norton series was authored by Felix Gilbert.
As for the content, it’s a traditional top-down survey of the political and military leaders of the period. Better as a Jeopardy reference than as an attempt at analysis or advocacy.
First, the citation is incorrect. This book was authored by Charles Breunig. The final book in this Norton series was authored by Felix Gilbert.
As for the content, it’s a traditional top-down survey of the political and military leaders of the period. Better as a Jeopardy reference than as an attempt at analysis or advocacy.
September 17, 2011
I only read the section on the industrial revolution, but it was surprisingly interesting. It was easy to read, even if you had minimal knowledge about this part of history. It was well supported with evidence, but the bigger picture was always apparent.
October 28, 2013
This volume is a very concise overview of the revolutions going on in Europe from the late 1700's. Not only does it go into the reasons for the revolutions, but it also gives the broader impact made by each uprising.
December 12, 2013
A great book. Gives a nice brief(yet almost complete)summation of the French Revolution and its far-reaching consequences. It also talks about in-general European life of the 18th century. A must read for all that have good interest in history.
Read
April 15, 2010nonfiction,history,18th century
Want to read
June 18, 2012Gilbert, Felix; et al.
The Norton History of Modern Europe
In compilation only.
The Norton History of Modern Europe
In compilation only.
July 30, 2021
Classic account of the period. Good mixture of “old” and “new” history. Could’ve provided more on Eastern Europe. Overall excellent and stimulating.
October 20, 2020
曾经的马克思主义者都会对这个革命的年代感到热血沸腾吧？深深地决定了现代世界（尤其是欧洲本身）社民党的主要理念的来源。
December 11, 2009
French Revolution, Napoleon, 1848.... what's not to love?
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews