The invasion of the French troops (1794) ended the elec-
tor’s regency over the territories to the west of the
Rhine (annexation 1801). Görres hoped that a democratic
system would be founded which separated religion and state
and give a new impetus to both sides. Görres believed that
the citizens would be involved in the act of forming a
society and thus be able to pursue their own economic and
political interests. To him this opportunity was provided
by the presence of the French troops. They seemed to be
protective to a democratic development.
Görres supported the occupation and published writings
which solicited support for the occupying force.
Unfortunately, he soon realized that his hopes would not
be fulfilled.
Shortly after that he called the French “thieves and scape-
graces” in his publications and claimed an “arrogance of
the proud vanquishers”.
He criticized openly – according to the tradition of en-
lightenment. The terming of problems is the first step to
a solution. Being a little naïve he thought that the
French had come in good intentions and would remedy the
shortcomings only because of the pressure of the public
opinion.