The Rise of radical Ideas Post 1815

Dear Journal,

As the years pass by I realize that myself; an upper middle class aristocratic man seeking a certain lifestyle, has seen history write itself as my great country of France reacts to or is effected by the early stages of radical thought and socialism. For me the idea of Liberalism was a way of business and life I was thrilled with being involved with. Liberalism demanded representative government, equality before the law, and individual freedoms. Economically this was known as laissez-faire; an economy left unregulated. It was my kind of economy even being referred to as a middle-class doctrine, it was used to exclude the lower classes from government and business though. But, Liberalism wasn't the only radical change in thought in Europe and France that I had the pleasure of experiencing.

Nationalism followed shortly thereafter 1815 it was the idea of cultural unity. Nationalists wanted to turn cultural unity into political reality, they wanted people with common beliefs to have more of a common bond this new industrial society needed better communication with language and cultural unity. Nationalists believed that every nation had the right to exist in freedom. This idea of nationalism was more political then what I was really interested in as an upper middle class man, but I believe that having strong pride for ones nation is important.


I can't wait to see if any other radical ideas develop in the next few years.. this time in France in very exciting for me! I am fortunate to be well educated and realize that history is happening right before my eyes.. I wonder whats next!


Till next time,
John J. Dubois