Nineteenth Century: The vendetta is perceived as a viable and ancient method of justice in many communities. The interest in Rosseau's theory of primitivism, with its implied rejection of the established legal system, somewhat legitimized traditional methods of justice and punishment.

Twentieth Century: The vendetta still exists in different forms throughout the world. In the United States, revenge killings and drive-by shootings take thousands of lives every year. The perceived failure of the established legal system has led to vigilantism, as frustrated citizens take matters into their own hands to settle their own alleged vendettas.

Nineteenth Century: France is a world power, despite its often turbulent domestic and foreign politics. After the overthrow of the monarchy in 1789, the country is a republic for many years before the ascension of Napoleon. France then waged war against the rest of Europe (1796- 1815) until Napoleon was finally...