New revolutionary calendar

Definition

The new revolutionary calendar was a system of timekeeping established during the French Revolution, aimed at breaking from the traditional Gregorian calendar. It featured a ten-day week called 'décade,' restructured months of 30 days, and renamed the months to reflect the agricultural seasons, symbolizing the revolutionary ideals of rationality and equality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The new revolutionary calendar was introduced on September 24, 1793, and remained in use until 1806 when Napoleon reinstated the Gregorian calendar.
2. The calendar was divided into 12 months of 30 days each, with an additional 5 or 6 'complementary days' added to account for the solar year.
3. Each month was given a name that related to nature or agriculture, such as 'Thermidor' (from heat) and 'Fructidor' (from fruit), reflecting the values of the revolution.
4. The implementation of the new calendar was part of a broader effort to secularize society and eliminate traditional ties to the Church and monarchy.
5. Resistance to the new calendar came from both royalists and traditionalists, who found it difficult to adapt to this radical departure from established customs.

Review Questions

• How did the new revolutionary calendar reflect the ideals of the French Revolution?
  • The new revolutionary calendar reflected the ideals of the French Revolution by promoting rationality and egalitarianism. By creating a system that eliminated references to religious figures and traditional timekeeping, it symbolized a break from the past. The renamed months emphasized agricultural cycles, reinforcing a connection to nature and collective identity rather than individualistic religious observances. This shift aimed to foster a sense of unity among citizens aligned with revolutionary principles.
• Evaluate the impact of de-Christianization on the adoption of the new revolutionary calendar during the French Revolution.
  • De-Christianization had a significant impact on the adoption of the new revolutionary calendar as it sought to diminish the Church's influence in daily life. By replacing religious festivals with secular celebrations aligned with the new months, revolutionaries aimed to create a society based on reason rather than faith. This process alienated many who were accustomed to religious observances, leading to resistance against both de-Christianization efforts and the new calendar itself. Ultimately, it highlighted tensions between revolutionary ideals and traditional values.
• Analyze how societal reactions to the new revolutionary calendar shaped its eventual decline and replacement.
  • Societal reactions to the new revolutionary calendar were mixed, leading to its eventual decline and replacement. Many citizens struggled to adapt to a completely different system of timekeeping, which disrupted daily life and agricultural practices deeply rooted in tradition. Resistance from royalists, peasants, and those attached to conventional customs contributed to growing dissatisfaction. By 1806, Napoleon reinstated the Gregorian calendar, illustrating how public pushback against radical changes can influence governmental policies. This shift not only marked a return to familiar structures but also signified a broader desire for stability following years of upheaval.

Related terms

French Republican Calendar: Another name for the new revolutionary calendar, emphasizing its origin from the principles of the French Revolution and its purpose to reflect a new societal order.

Bourgeoisie: The social class that emerged during the French Revolution, often viewed as representing capitalist interests and significant in pushing for changes like the new revolutionary calendar.

De-Christianization: The movement during the French Revolution that sought to diminish the influence of Christianity, which included abolishing religious festivals and replacing them with secular observances in the new revolutionary calendar.