The Revolution began at the top,-in the world of fashion, birth, and intellect,-and propagated itself downwards.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Parkman observes that the Revolution started among elites before spreading to the masses.
- In plain terms
- The Revolution started with rich and educated people before reaching others.
- What can you take from it?
- Social movements often begin with the elite.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do ideas spread from elites to the masses?
- Does power always start at the top?
Another view
Not all revolutions follow this top-down trajectory.
More from Francis Parkman
Versailles was a gulf into which the labor of France poured its earnings; and it was never full.
Permalink to quote #26 France built its best colony on a principle of exclusion, and failed; England reversed the system, and succeeded.
Permalink to quote #28 The most momentous and far-reaching question ever brought to issue on this continent was: Shall France remain here, or shall she not?
Permalink to quote #25
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