How French revolutionary reforms outlasted French armies

The French Revolution exported reforms that outlasted its armies

French rule brought written legal codes and other reforms to parts of Europe. Studies of places that received deeper reforms find faster city growth and economic growth after 1850. This suggests that some changes imposed during French conquest lasted long after French soldiers left.

Perfect encryption can still reveal who is talking to whom

A one-time pad can be impossible to break if its key is truly random, secret, as long as the message, and never reused. But an observer may still learn from when messages are sent, how often they are sent, and between whom. Encryption can hide the message without hiding the pattern of communication.

A papal election dragged on for nearly three years

When cardinals in Viterbo failed to elect a pope for nearly three years, frustrated residents locked them inside and even removed the roof of their meeting place. The extraordinary standoff helped inspire stricter rules for papal elections—and the conclave system that followed.

Like this? There’s a whole feed of it. Replace empty scrolling with things worth knowing.

Download Hence for free

How French revolutionary reforms outlasted French armies

The French Revolution exported reforms that outlasted its armies

Keep exploring