It's refreshing to hear different historical evaluations!
I find it a bit hard to believe that there was little racism and certainly no "one-drop rule" in France at that time. I really hate to sound like the stupid American that I am, but wouldn't applying the "one-drop rule" make more sense in economical terms, especially considering that (as you've mentioned) slave trade was becoming less profitable? I suppose that was a frustrating and close-minded question, but it's a little bit hard to believe that there was little racism in France on the basis that interracial marriages were recognized (marriages between Native Americans and English colonists were common, but I'd hardly say that there was little racism towards Native Americans in English colonies), especially considering the attitudes of some contemporary thinkers towards blacks.
Oh Napoleon... And I wonder why he is so beloved, although Napoleonic enthusiasts might argue otherwise. That's precisely the reason why French Revolution is so interesting. They got rid of one of the most absolutist monarchies in Europe at the time (although the notion that Louis XVI was a powerful despot like his great-great-great grandfather is rather questionable) and established a republic, all the while defeating just about every country in Western Europe that tried to suppress them.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2011-04-02 07:52 pm (UTC)I find it a bit hard to believe that there was little racism and certainly no "one-drop rule" in France at that time. I really hate to sound like the stupid American that I am, but wouldn't applying the "one-drop rule" make more sense in economical terms, especially considering that (as you've mentioned) slave trade was becoming less profitable? I suppose that was a frustrating and close-minded question, but it's a little bit hard to believe that there was little racism in France on the basis that interracial marriages were recognized (marriages between Native Americans and English colonists were common, but I'd hardly say that there was little racism towards Native Americans in English colonies), especially considering the attitudes of some contemporary thinkers towards blacks.
Oh Napoleon... And I wonder why he is so beloved, although Napoleonic enthusiasts might argue otherwise.
That's precisely the reason why French Revolution is so interesting. They got rid of one of the most absolutist monarchies in Europe at the time (although the notion that Louis XVI was a powerful despot like his great-great-great grandfather is rather questionable) and established a republic, all the while defeating just about every country in Western Europe that tried to suppress them.