Grand Orient of France

The article examines the events of the Masonic history of pre-revolutionary France. The author focuses on the formation of national structures of French Freemasonry. The participation of the ruling dynasty in the process of transformation of the “English” lodges into the structures of the Grand Orient of France is noted. The efforts of Masonic leaders on the eve of the French revolution are characterized.

The article is devoted to the processes of interaction of regular Masonic Lodges and state institutions in the Modern History. The author emphasizes that the most active cooperation of power and Masonry developed at the turn of the 18th and the 19th centuries. Based on reading authentic sources and literature the author draws a conclusion about initial ab- sence of contradictions between the masons and the state.