Item #6097 'Geographie'. French children's geographical card game dating from the period of the French Revolution, with cards pertaining to Terres Australes and Etats Unis. French Revolution, American Revolution.

'Geographie'. French children's geographical card game dating from the period of the French Revolution, with cards pertaining to Terres Australes and Etats Unis.

France: 1790 - 1800. Children's geographical card game with vivid political content, dating from the French Revolution and from just after the American Revolution, as the 38th card, 'Etats Unis' describes Philadelphia as the capital, which was the temporary capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800, while the Federal City was under construction in the District of Columbia.

Card V, "La France, Description Politique", refers to the French Revolution and the abolition of the monarchy, as follows: "[La France] a ete gouvernee par soixante-sept Rois de trois races differentes, depuis Pharamond jusqu'a Louis XVI, sous le regne duquel le gouvernement monarchique fut aboli". This card goes on to extol contemporary life in France: "La France est aujourd'hui ... le pays de la terre ou l'art de vivre en societe est cultive avec le plus de succes".. An astonishing claim, given that tens of thousands of Frenchmen had just been dispatched during the reign of terror of 1793 - 1794.

Card XXXVIII (United States) also gives credit to the French role in winning the American Revolution: "Les Americains, aides par les Francais, proclamerent leur liberte en 1776, et se formerent en republique, sous le nom d'Etats Unis".

Card XLVIII, "Terres Polaires et Australes", which mentions Nouvelle Hollande and Botany-Bay, and la terre de Diemen. Accompanying Botany Bay, there is a mention of convicts: "Les Anglais ont forme ... une etablissement qu'ils nomment Botany-Bay, ou ils deportent leurs criminels". Casts various aspersions on the inhabitants, both native and convict.

The game consists of 48 cards describing various countries & geographical features of the world, each one embellished with a small circular portrait of a native, with text below. Other countries include La Russie (Russia), Turquie (Turkey), all the European countries, Arabie (Arabia), La Perse (Persia/Iran), Indies (East Indies), La Chine (China), Islands, Seas and Mountains of Asia, Cafrerie (South Africa), Canada, Amerique (North & South America), Le Mexique, Terre-Ferme et Pays des Amazones, Guyana, Peru, Brazil, Terre Magellanique et Terre de Feu (Patagonia). Not recorded on OCLC.

In its original pink papered box with manuscript paper label, faded & a bit rubbed, short split at top edge. Cards printed on thick laid card, measuring 2 1/2" x 4". Two cards with rubbed corners, a little dusty but overall in very good condition. Very good overall. Item #6097

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