Because the state is only capable of understanding violence
Presumably because historically it’s worked out pretty well for them…
wdym? the french revolution ended up with mob rule
The French revolution didn’t end with mob rule, it ended with Napoleon staging a coup on the french directory and seizing power. The french revolution lasted over a decade with many different governments taking power over its duration.
The only part that can be described as mob rule was the reign of terror that happened fairly early on during the first republic and half a decade before the end of the revolution. It was ended by the same revolutionary government it started under.
Revolutions in France also don’t end with the French revolution, and eventually established the France that exists today
After Napoleon, the monarchs re-seized control until the July revolution in 1830, which resulted in a constitutional monarchy.
That government was overthrown by mass protests in the French revolution of 1848, which resulted in the creation of the second republic.
Napoleon III overthrew that government in 1852, and became emperor of the second French empire.
Because of Napoleons capture in the franco-Prussian war, the French national assembly established a new government, the 3rd republic in the rest of France, this new government surrendered to the Prussians in 1871, and elections were held in parts of France.
Workers revolted later that year, and established the Paris commune, it was defeated after a few months, but it did force the 3rd republic to enact reforms.
These reforms failed and Republicans took control of the 3rd republic, finally getting rid of the monarchy and selling off its assets, crowns, etc. to stop them from coming back.
The 3rd republic lasted until Nazis captured France in ww2
yeah, the reign of terror is what i meant. looks like ill have to read up on french history
i posted this under the thread i started, but i’m reposting here too. It’s a well written explanation
Unlike in Germany or the Netherlands, French unions, while they may strike often, are not formal government negotiating partners. The top-heavy, presidential structure of the Fifth Republic marginalises institutional consultation.
That means a heavily centralised state often passes laws with little popular agreement, making the “power of the street” one of citizens’ few viable means of forcing concessions. Protest here is regarded as a civic duty and a legitimate democratic tool.
That creates a vicious circle. French authorities see large crowds as an existential threat, so send in the police. Their military-style tactics entrench the aggression and alienate peaceful demonstrators. This prompts the more radical groups to opt for more violent tactics. But rather than isolating those elements, police respond with baton charges and munitions. And that turns protests into battles.
the rest of the article may complete the picture ☞ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/20/france-culture-violent-policing-protests-riots
I think the question should be more concrete: “Why are french people riotous to this day?”
Many european societies have a revolutionary or riotous history, but not many have been able to maintain the present. What conditions and ways of organizing have resulted in this easily visible difference?
Idk, but it would hopefully lead to a more interesting answer than “thats what they always do”.
I think its a cultural difference they go out rioting to blow off steam in the way my country would go roiting ab footbal or some shit. They have really strong unions and orgenizers i belive so that helps :p
I would suggest studying French history and culture and doing some analysis for that answer tbh. It would probobly give all the insight you need.
