How did the French Revolution impact the development of French foreign aid and international development policies?

The French Revolution, which took place between 1789 and 1799, had a profound impact on the development of French foreign aid and international development policies. Before the revolution, France had a system of royal patronage, in which the monarch would support foreign governments and rulers in exchange for their loyalty and obedience. This system was abolished during the revolution, and the new government began to develop a more egalitarian and democratic approach to foreign aid.

One of the most significant changes in French foreign aid policy during this period was the emphasis on humanitarian aid. The revolutionaries believed that all people, regardless of nationality or social status, had the right to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and medical care. This led to the development of a number of organizations and initiatives aimed at providing aid to those in need, both within France and abroad.

Another important aspect of French foreign aid policy that was influenced by the revolution was the focus on promoting the ideals of the revolution abroad. The revolutionaries saw themselves as a beacon of liberty, equality, and fraternity, and sought to spread these ideals throughout Europe and the rest of the world. They did this through a variety of means, including supporting revolutionary movements in other countries and providing aid to countries that were sympathetic to the revolutionary cause.