IV. 1. "OBJECTIVE HISTORY STICKS TO THE FACTS:" WHICH FACTS?

 MENU: 4.1. History: which facts?

ALL VIEWS ARE SUBJECTIVE BECAUSE ONE MUST CHOOSE WHAT FACTS TO INCLUDE OR LEAVE OUT  

Typical choices emphasize identity (Washington crossing the Delaware, Bonaparte at the bridge of Arcole), kinds of society (Lenin mobilizing the Proletariat, Washington at Mount Vernon) or drama (The Execution of Robespierre).  

This section contrasts narrating political facts with no or little tie to tangible interests, and stressing underlying economic forces.

It uses the French upheavals of 1789-1830 as examples.

        Liberty Guides the People by Eugène Delacroix, 1831 / zoom

Many people think the most famous work created in France concerns the French Revolution. In fact it celebrates the Revolution of 1830, its often overlooked conclusion.

In brief

• "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" lets capitalism take wing   

• The Revolution of 1830: capitalism's forgotten triumph 

• Boring history, a political weapon

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"Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" lets capitalism take wing