'Voltaire a l'ecole de la democratie: "L'Affaire des Natifs"'

Graham Gargett

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    Abstract

    This chapter evaluates Voltaire's reaction to the demands, by the 'natif' class, in the tiny republic of Geneva, for political representation. Though Voltaire is often regarded as a monarchist, and supporter of the priveged elite, I show that he responded positively to the natifs, and tried to help them frame their case. Certainly, he enjoyed playing this role, but his contacts with them seem to have persuaded him that humble watchmakers and artisans could read, think, and show educational advance which fitted them for a political role.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationVoltaire, la tolerance et la justice
    EditorsJohn Renwick
    Place of PublicationLouvain-Paris-Dudley
    PublisherPeeters Publishers
    Pages189-210
    ISBN (Print)90429222354
    Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 3 Aug 2011

    Keywords

    • Voltaire
    • Geneva
    • natifs
    • political representation

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