The Parisian Porters' Revolt of January 1786. (19th August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gilbert, Bennett
• Is Part Of: Journal for eighteenth-century studies. Volume 39:Number 3(2016:Sep.)
• Page Start: 359
• Page End: 375
• Publication Date: 2015-08-19
• Subjects: French Revolution -- crowd -- riot -- rationalisation -- postal system; Eighteenth century -- Periodicals; Europe -- Civilization -- 18th century -- Periodicals; Dix-huitième siècle -- Périodiques; Civilisation -- 18e siècle -- Périodiques; 940.25305
• DOI: 10.1111/1754-0208.12337
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1754-0194

Abstract

Abstract: This paper gives a full picture of the moral universe pressuring all sides in the strike by porters in Paris during January 1786. These Parisian day‐labourers found their livelihood taken away by a new system of parcel delivery, part of a many‐sided endeavour to rationalise the economy. They rioted and were the first rioting mob to appeal to the king at Versailles. This paper looks at the riot from the points of view of the rioters and their neighbours, the police, the investors in the new parcel post scheme and the advancing American trade.