Bonapartism and Revolutionary Tradition in France : The Federes of 1815

This study is crucial to the socio-political history of France from 1789–1830, in that it demonstrates clearly continuities in revolutionary personnel throughout the period, and shows how revolutionary tradition and Bonapartism came to fuse in 1815 - a development of profound significance for the subsequent course of French history.

Bonapartism and Revolutionary Tradition in France is a study of the personnel, organisation and activities of the Federes, the massive paramilitary political associations that supported Napoleon during the Hundred Days. In tracing federe backgrounds the author demonstrates that the federations were politically and socially heterogeneous - composed of old revolutionaries, Bonapartists and future Liberals, and drawn from both the lower and middle classes. Analysis of Federe literature and symbolism reveals the common ground of ideology and self-interest that enabled these diverse groups to unite in opposition to Bourbon rule, and thereby reverse the process of fragmentation that had beset the Revolutionary movement since 1789. Discussion of relations between the Imperial government and the Federes explains why Bonaparte encouraged this development, despite his realisation that old Jacobins dominated the associations of 1815.