Though predating her birth, the lasting impact of the French Revolution on French society cannot be understated. The revolution championed ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, fostering a spirit of innovation and social change. Herminie, growing up in a France shaped by this revolution, likely imbibed these values, which contributed to her later innovative approach to women's fashion and business.

The Paris Commune, a brief but intense period of radical socialist and revolutionary government in Paris, occurred during Herminie's young adulthood. While her direct involvement is undocumented, the Commune's emphasis on social equality and challenging established norms could have further shaped her progressive views and contributed to her willingness to disrupt conventional fashion practices with her innovative undergarments.