Hi /r/AskHistorians,
Fairly simple question--I read a fairly bombastic claim that the Haussmann Renovation project was designed, in part, to hedge against future violent revolutions because it would make smaller streets wider and therefore more difficult to barricade with furniture/household items.
I searched briefly but don't have the appropriate education to contextualize this type of claim. I understand it sounds compelling given the revolutionary character of French history, but the only information I could find suggested that the motivation was entirely related to overcrowding/disease/ecological/economic concerns. Anyone have primary/secondary sources that could corroborate the notion that it was in part an anti-revolutionary measure? Or is that utter BS?
Contemporary critics such as Ernest Picard, MEP, were vocal against avenues designed for artillery and cavalry charges. Haussmann himself had no hesitation promoting his project from a strategic point of view, and he certainly got Napoleon's ear on that. So, the security concern is present, but it is not the main motivation. There was much more to Haussmann renovations than trenching.
The Haussmann trenching was primarily aimed at easing movement in the City, even if the security aspect is real, particularly for the Boulevard Richard-Lenoir, which covers the canal Saint-Martin, in order to prevent the revolts of suburbs Saint-Antoine or Charon and Belleville to settle behind this water line (Pierre PINON, Atlas du Paris Haussmannien).