ABSTRACT
The middle-class orientation of the Jacobin clubs was consistent with their tactics. One of the earliest and most enduring elements of political action associated with the clubs was the shaping of public opinion through propaganda. Brinton's description and analysis of the organization of the Jacobin clubs relies in part on his knowledge of the sociology of voluntary associations. More important than sheer numbers of masons who were Jacobins is the ritual and normative effect that the freemasons had on the clubs. The revolutionary propaganda efforts of the clubs extended to public education of young and old alike about the rights of man, popular sovereignty. While various forms of radicalism have been institutionalized throughout history, the Jacobins mounted one of the most successful campaigns to insinuate their ideas into the institutions of their society. In America, from the Revolution on, liberalism has been prevalent, while radicals have been positioned to the left and right of the prevailing liberal center.
