Why did the Revolution come in France alone ?

It is really significant that the Revolution came in France alone while the general conditions of the people were practically the same, in some ways worse, in other countries of Europe. There were many reason for this which may be summarized.

In other countries there were feudal privileges, no doubt, like those in France, but there were duties also. The feudal lords in other countries, for example, served in the army and were responsible for maintaining law and order in their respective estates. In the case of France, however, the situation was different. In that country, while the nobles still retained their powers and absolved of their duties by the king. The result was that while in other countries the feudal system was a reality, in France, it had lost all vitality and had become worn out. There was, therefore ; no rational ground for its continuance in France, and yet it was very much there. It is no wonder, therefore, that the people in France felt irritated with the system particularly and strove to abolish it at the earliest possible opportunity.

Another reason was that in France there existed a powerful and enlightened middle class which was not to be found in other parts of Europe. The merchants, the traders, the professors and the lawyers were wealthy and rich and were endowed with brains, and yet they had no share in the administration, which was most acutely felt. It was this class in France while formed the vanguard of the Revolution.

Then France alone produced a set of philosophers, who had a tremendous influence on the people. They had prepared the minds of the French by their writings to uproot the established order. In fact, the writings of these philosophers put before the people an idealism for which the latter were prepared to make any sacrifices. No such atmosphere existed in other countries of Europe. Although the unprivileged classes in other countries of Europe also suffered, they had neither any idealism before them, nor any leaders among them, nor any leaders among them who were prepared to challenge the existing order, and hence no revolution lookout there.

The American War of independence greatly influenced France in bringing about changes in French society and government, for the in the war side by side with American colonists, and had been inspired to France, they felt that they should also fight for liberty and equality. Other inhabitants also took their cue from them and aspired for those rights.

There was still another reason why the Revolution started in France and not in any other country of Europe. France staggered under the burden of a huge national dent, which had been increasing by leaps and bounds, year after year, due to extravagance of the court and to 18th century wars - wars with Britain for colonies. Things came to a head, and it became well nigh impossible to carry on the government due to bankruptcy of the state. Under the circumstances, the estates - general had to be summoned to rehabilitate the finances, and this step precipitated the Revolution in France. There were no such circumstances in other parts of Europe, and although the people there had their grievances, they kept on suffering without a thought of revolting.

2. Comparison between the French Revolution and the Glorious Revolution - In comparing the French Revolution of 1789 with the Glorious Revolution of 1688 in England, we may observe that the aim of the English Revolution was to attain entirely political ends. Its object was to curb the arbitrary power of the king, and transfer all the powers to parliament as the chosen representative of the people. On the other hand, the French Revolution was more a rebellion against inequality in society than against despotism. It is true that the people of France had their political disabilities, but they had got so much accustomed to authoritarian rule extending over centuries that they had ceased bothering about it and had consequently taken it in their stride. They were mainly concerned with the removal of social inequalities which haunted them.

The English Revolution was accomplished without bloodshed, without massacre without guillotine, and without the reign of terror. It secured the triumph of parliamentary  government over kingly despotism ''by consent and compromise'' Moreover, it was defensive and conservative in compromise'' Moreover, it was defensive and conservative in character. No drastic change was introduced as a result of it. No breach with the past took place because of it. On the other hand, the French Revolution was violent in its character and destructive in its effects.