British Monarchy and French Revolution

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Lastly the author uses the idolization of King George as a central point to how the monarchy overcame revolution in a time of up rise. Since the King was seen actively attempting to connect the muddle of ideologies throughout his state, the subjects were at long last able to see that they were a nation not an array of individuals. British nationalism was on high-rise as the throne saw that, independent of the will of their people, they would no longer be able to survive. Government needed a bond between citizens and the crown to stabilize the country and hush cries for revolution from across the sea. It was through King George’s public displays of virtue and paternal principles that the people formed that bond, a bond that would inspire them to regard their King with the highest of values and thus, their nation. “The image he cultivated of devote father to his immediate family and his larger families endowed the monarchy with an approachability that encouraged an attitude of protectiveness” (pg 159). Because the middle class considered themselves an enlightened people, these characteristics appealed highly to the largest group of citizens in the century at the time. Not only did George III act as a God loving, law-abiding ruler he also showed to his patrons that he was a king, but still a human king. Morris, through Linda Colley’s work, The Apotheosis of George III, see Georges vital contribution during the French revolution as humanization of the institution and father to all. Due to this attribute future attempts to bring up the past mistakes of the current king only served to demonstrate how he to was prone to human flaws and this replaced hostile opinions for empathy. With a King so highly treasured how could the nation rationalize a revolution to challenge the monarchy, this would only lead to a revolt upon the reformers. All of this lead to an idolization and national pride no law or dictated divine right could proceed, and thus acted as a shield towards the throws of revolt.

Where this book disappoints is in its failure to explain how these new changes in government and state produced a lasting effect on modern British rule. I conclude in Morris’s omission that, in present day modern British the monarchy still upholds most values stated throughout the book. By the end of the 18th century and on, the royal family coexisted more peacefully with parliament in order breach tension from societal flux in the tradition-bound institution. The Crown works to uphold traditional stature while embodying British heritage and the love of the people. It is no surprise that the monarchy remains a fascinating appeal to the modern world, as media expanded so did our obsession with the wonder of the Royals. As well, the monarchy maintains as a multifaceted character that can appeal to a large range of groups, ideas, and individuals.

The book is all together well presented and the argument appears appropriately supported by a large number of sources, some of which have been mentioned above, however there are some further weaknesses. The reader is left with out much knowledge on just how large a role the British people play during the late 18th century, as they rarely appear in the book. It is not that I discount Dr. Morris’s theories, but more so believe she overlooks equally important factors that influenced the nations ability to avoid the revolutionary period that was the 1790s. One could argue the monarchy was the force that deterred reform movements or one could equally argue the peoples influence on the monarchy lead to the same out come. However, it cannot be forgotten that there were drastic changes occurring outside the British monarchy on the streets of Britain. Most historical opinions deem changes within both the people and the hierarchical government contributed comparable influence on the structure and stability of the British society during this time. In the end Morris work is, above all, a persuasive reminder of the strength and versatility of the British throne as an institution that stands against the test of time and her contribution on the history of the British monarchy is worth reading.

~ Kyra Lindenbach