Divorce and civil society during the French Revolution, 1789-1802

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to examine the complex interplay between revolutionary society, culture, and politics through an analysis of the revolutionary divorce law introduced in September 1792. The thesis shall examine the conceptual basis of the argument for the introduction of a no-fault divorce law accessible to husband and wife, and furthermore shall situate the later debate on divorce in its proper context, that of revolutionary society. It shall examine the dialogue between civil society in the form of pamphlets written to the National Assemblies, and the discussions of divorce in the Legislative Assembly, National Convention, and Council of Five Hundred.