The publication of The Voyage to Icaria in 1839 introduced a blueprint for a society where a democratically elected body governed all economic activity. Étienne Cabet, a French lawyer and journalist, transformed his philosophical theories into a practical attempt at collective living, shifting from political agitation in Europe to the establishment of utopian communities within the United States.
Political Career in France
Born in 1788 in Dijon, Cabet initially pursued a legal career and served as an attorney-general in Corsica. During the July Revolution of 1830, he headed an insurrectionary committee. Elected to the French National Assembly in 1831, he represented Côte d'Or as a radical deputy. His critical stance toward the government, voiced through his writing, led to a treason conviction in 1834. Forced into a five-year exile, he relocated to England, where he began formulating his social theories under the influence of Robert Owen and Thomas More.
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Upon returning to France in 1839, Cabet advocated for the creation of workers' cooperatives. He founded the newspaper Le Populaire de 1841, which served as the primary organ for his ideas until 1851. His five-volume work, Le vrai christianisme suivant Jésus Christ, published in 1846, framed his communist ideals within a religious context, arguing that the kingdom of God was inherently a society built on social equality. At its peak, the movement attracted approximately 400,000 adherents, largely from the artisan class.
American Experiments
In 1848, Cabet organized a group of followers to establish a community in the United States. Following initial setbacks in Texas, the group relocated to Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1849. The commune developed into a productive agricultural settlement featuring schools, mills, a distillery, and a large library. Cabet served as the elected leader, overseeing operations where members practiced universal male suffrage for communal affairs. However, internal friction over governance, property rights, and personal conduct led to deep divisions within the community.
Final Years
Cabet's tenure as leader became increasingly contentious. After returning to France in 1851 to resolve fraud allegations—for which he was acquitted—he resumed his position in Nauvoo in 1852. He attempted to implement strict behavioral codes, including bans on tobacco and leisure hunting, while centralizing his authority. Resistance from members culminated in his removal from the presidency in 1855. Cabet died in 1856 in St. Louis and was buried at the New Saint Marcus Cemetery and Mausoleum.
Fast facts
- Born: 1788, Dijon, France
- Died: 1856, St. Louis
- Primary Occupation: Writer, lawyer, politician
- Notable Work: The Voyage to Icaria
- Key Publication: Le Populaire de 1841
- Political Position: Member of the French National Assembly (1831-1834)
- Movement: Icarian
Questions readers ask
What was the Icarian movement?
It was a social movement founded by Cabet based on his book, The Voyage to Icaria, which promoted the replacement of capitalist production with workers' cooperatives and communal living.
Why did Cabet leave France?
After his 1834 treason conviction and subsequent exile, he eventually concluded that reforming French society was impossible and sought to establish an ideal community in the United States.
Achievements
- Notable work: The Voyage to Icaria
- Held posts at Le Populaire de 1841
