Abstract
This paper deals with how public opinion in Lima developed a view on French Revolution.We focused on the debate that took place in 1794 and then in 1811 and 1812. Our inquiry shows that this event , itself alien from Iberoamerican revolution, could be seen as a founding event in the sense that it made possible a new experience of history in Lima, particularly among those who shortly after would fight for Peruvian independence as well as for introducing liberalism in this country. For arguing in favor of this thesis, the paper establishes a sharp contrast between the reception of this founding event in 1794 and that one proper to 1812. Parallelisms with past events were not allowed in 1794, whereas they were common in 1812. This is how Iberoamerican revolution was shaped, though it is also worth to mention the influence from Cadiz Courts.
Keywords
French Revolution; freedom; public opinion; revolutionary principles; Mercurio Peruano; El Peruano