Civic Virtue

Civic virtue (a central concept in the political philosophy of the French Revolution) pertains to the cultivation of habits important for the success of the community. This idea emphasized the role of citizens in actively participating in public life, demonstrating qualities like self-sacrifice, integrity, and a commitment to the common good. The Enlightenment thinkers (such as Rousseau) greatly influenced this concept by promoting the necessity of virtuous citizens for the proper functioning of a republic.

The leaders of the French Revolution (notably Robespierre and the Jacobins) considered civic virtue essential for sustaining the revolutionary aims and ensuring societal harmony. Robespierre, in particular, frequently articulated the importance of virtue in his speeches, suggesting that the Revolution could not succeed without it. He associated civic virtue with moral purity and an unwavering dedication to the republic, often citing classical antiquity (specifically Roman and Greek examples) as models to emulate.

The Cult of the Supreme Being (initiated by Robespierre in May 1794) can be linked to the pursuit of civic virtue. This state religion aimed to promote republican values and moral citizenship, creating festivals and ceremonies that celebrated civic virtues and fostered a sense of unity and patriotism among the populace. The Law of Suspects (enacted on 17 September 1793), which allowed for the arrest of individuals suspected of counter-revolutionary actions, also illustrated the extreme measures taken to maintain a society aligned with revolutionary ideals.

However, the emphasis on civic virtue sometimes resulted in radical policies and extreme actions. During the Reign of Terror (1793-1794), the Committee of Public Safety (dominated by the Jacobins) used the concept of virtue to justify a range of repressive measures. Thousands of individuals perceived as lacking civic virtue (being indifferent or hostile to the revolution) were arrested or executed. This period showcased the tensions between the idealistic pursuit of virtue and the practical realities of revolutionary governance.

In educational reforms, the revolutionary government sought to instill civic virtue in the youth. The establishment of a republican education system aimed to nurture enlightened and virtuous citizens. Educational policies focused on creating patriotic citizens knowledgeable about their rights and responsibilities, fostering a collective identity rooted in republican ideals.

Civic virtue remains a pertinent topic when examining the French Revolution as it underscores the ideological foundations and the moral aspirations of the revolutionaries. It reveals how the pursuit of an ideal can profoundly shape policy decisions and societal structures, reflecting both the aspirations and the contradictions inherent in revolutionary change.

• Civic virtue was a cornerstone of the revolutionary ideology, emphasizing the importance of participatory citizenship and the collective good over individual interests.
• The concept of civic virtue drew heavily from Enlightenment thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who believed that only a virtuous citizenry could uphold democracy and freedom.
• During the Revolution, civic virtue became a tool for both the Jacobins and Girondins; they each interpreted it differently, leading to political purges against those deemed lacking in virtue.
• Civic virtue was often linked to public morality; the establishment of the new calendar (replacing the Gregorian calendar) was part of an effort to foster a revolutionary way of life rooted in virtue.
• The idea also encouraged citizens to engage actively in public affairs, leading to the establishment of popular clubs and assemblies where ordinary people could voice their opinions and influence governance.