ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that many of the comparisons—implicit as well as explicit—of nineteenth century France and Britain have been misleading. It analyses arguments as to France's economic retardation and failure to industrialize as well as arguments concerning the source and outcome of radical mobilizations. The chapter suggests that the radical importance of continuity with preindustrial social organization for the struggle to create a "democratic and social republic" between 1848 and 1851. Throughout the Victorian era, the gradual transformation from a population of traditional craftsmen to one of modern industrial employees weakened the organizational base for British popular radicalism. There was no reason to expect radicalism and political agitation in the second half of the nineteenth century in Britain, because capitalism was already secure. Like the reactionary radicals of early nineteenth century Britain, the democratic socialists of the Second Republic expected to be able to use peaceful persuasion and the vote to effect their programs.
