Tracing the Shadow of Secrecy and Government Transparency in Eighteenth-Century France

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Changing attitudes towards secrecy in eighteenth-century France reveal a growing suspicion of both personal and governmental secrets, culminating in the eve of the French Revolution. As concerns about corruption emerged, secrecy became linked to despotism, fostering a demand for transparency. The author connects this shift to evolving concepts of honor, religious movements, nationalism, literature, and policing. By examining the cultural context, the book illustrates how these transformations influenced political dynamics during the Revolution and offers insights into contemporary views on secrecy.