• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.750-767
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• 2013

The purpose of this study is to consider debates the reorganization of administrative districts and to investigate the role of maps in this debate during the early stage of French Revolution. For this, firstly, we examined the argument of reformers who attempted to change the administration system of the Old Regime. We found that physiocrats proposed map use for their attempt to reform this system. Secondly, we considered the debate on the theme of the new division of the kingdom on the basis of speeches or interventions delivered to the National Assembly. Robert de Hesseln's map, itself influenced by the geometric spirit shown by the map of Cassini, played an crucial role in the utopian ideas of revolutionaries who would divide France in administrative units of equal size geometric grid. Thirdly, the deputies decided the number and boundary of department on the basis of Hennequin's map. The final cut which resulted in very tense negotiations with local leaders was irregular polygons modeled on patterns of economic relations, and elements of relief and historical tradition. Fourthly, new administrative divisions are plotted on the map of Cassini and presented to the National Assembly. And it was declared as a new administrative division of France.