Takahashi Akeo

Rouen, the capital of Normandy, showed a firm and unchanging loyalty despite the fluctuating nature of the French Revolution and of its government in particular. The political leaders of Rouen found it necessary to observe the actions of the government and react to them with prudence. Claude MAZAURIC, one of the most famous specialists on the French Revolution, explains this loyalty by pointing to 'the national viewpoint' of the local leaders, and 'the union of the state' that they considered it vital to sustain. But why was it vital for them to sustain 'the union of the state'? This can only be understood through an examination of the regional background of Rouen. In this article, the author therefore investigates the problem of the supply of gain to th city. Rouen depended on government help for its supply of gain, especially in 1793 and 1794. This economic situation and dependence on the government had a great influence on the political stance and the choices open to Rouen, and was the reason behind its loyalty to the government.