1789: The end of the Ancien Regime

Question 1

What were the concerns with the Estates General?

Answer 1

Late 1788 Louis called the Estates General for the first time since 1614 and presented concerns of:
What method would the Estates General use to vote by?
Who would be elected as deputies?
To what extent should the grievances noted in the cahiers be addressed?
What would happen when the Estates General met?

Question 2

What was voting by order?

Answer 2

Each estate votes separately on any issue. Any two estates together would outvote the third.
The Paris Parlement declared the Estates General should vote by order.
This would favour the two priveleged orders, who wished to protect the priveleges and tended to act together.
The Bourgeoise had tended to follow the lead given by the nobles and clergy in the Parlements and the Assembly of Notables.

Question 3

What was voting by Head?

Answer 3

Decisions taken by the Estates General would be agreed by a simple vote with a majority sufficient to agree any policy.
This favoured the third estate, which had the most deputies.

Question 4

Why did the Third Estate demand voting by head?

Answer 4

They suspected that the privileged orders had opposed the government because they wanted power for themselves and not because they wanted justice for the nation as a whole.
The Third Estate now demanded twice the number of deputies and voting by head instead of by order.
This would give them the majority, as many First estate deputies were poor parish priests who were likely to support the demands of the third.

Question 5

Why was there confusion in the Estates General?

Answer 5

December 1788 the King’s council allowed the number of deputies to be doubled.
Nothing was said about voting by head.
When the Estates General met there was confusion.
The third estate assumed they would be voting by head while the other two assumed by order.

Question 6

Who was in the Estates General?

Answer 6

First Estate: the clergy overwhelmingly elected parish priests to represent them, only 51/291 deputies were bishops.
Second Estate: majority were old noble families, many of whom were poor and conservative, but 90/282 were Liberals and would play a leading role.
Third Estate: 580 deputies elected.

Question 7

What does conservative and liberal mean?

Answer 7

Conservatives - those who did not want any reforms. They were deeply suspicious and sceptical of the need for any social or political change.
Liberals - deputies who were far more tolerant of differing political views and who supported a measure of cautious reform.

Question 8

Who were the deputies in the Third Estate?

Answer 8

They were educated, articulate and well-off, largely because deputies were to pay their own expenses, something peasants and artisans couldn’t afford.
No peasants or urban workers were elected.
The majority were venal office holders, then lawyers, and only 13% were from trade and industry.
So the industrial middle class played no leading role in the events of the Revolution.
Frenchmen over 25 voted in a primary assembly, if they paid tax, for their representatives.

Question 9

What are cahiers?

Answer 9

Before the meeting of the Estates General, the electors of each estate drew up a list of grievances and suggestions for reform.

Question 10

What were the cahiers of the first estate?

Answer 10

It reflected the interests of the parish clergy.
They called for an end to bishops holding more than one diocese.
Demanded that those who were not noble to be able to become bishops.
They were prepared to give up the financial privileges of the church.
They were not prepared to give up the dominant position of the Church: - Catholicism should remain the established religion and retain control of education.
- They would not tolerate Protestantism.

Question 11

What were the cahiers of the Second estate?

Answer 11

89% were prepared to give up financial priveleges.
39% supported voting by head, on matters of general interest.
They showed a desire for change and were prepared to admit that merit rather than birth should be the key to high office.
They attacked the government for its depotism, its inefficiency and injustice.
More liberal than the third estate.

Question 12

What are the cahiers of the third and all the estates?

Answer 12

All were against absolute royal power and wanted a king whose powers would be limited by an elected assembly, which would have the right to vote taxes and pass laws.
The third estate however wanted to have voting by head.

Question 13

What happened when the Estates General met?

Answer 13

Met 5 May 1789:
The government had the opportunity to take control.
The third estate deputies, lacking experience and having no recognised leaders, would have supported the king if he had promised reforms.
However, the government did not take initiative and put forward no programme.
Nothing was said about a new constitution, which all the Cahiers had demanded.

Question 14

Why did the Estates General split?

Answer 14

The third estate insisted that the credentials of those claiming to have been elected should be verified.
This appeared a trivial matter but would set a precedent for deciding whether the Estates General should meet as one body when discussing matters.
The Nobles rejected this and declared themselves separate by 188 votes to 46, as did the clergy.
The third estate refused to do anything without the other two orders so weeks of inaction followed, with the government failing to provide leadership.

Question 15

What happened on the 10th June 1789?

Answer 15

The third estate passed a motion that it would begin verifying the deputies’ credentials, even if the other orders would not join in.
A trickle of priests joined the third estate in the following days.

Question 16

What is the declaration of the National Assembly?

Answer 16

After a debate on 15 June, the Third Estate on 17 June voted by 490 to 90 to call themselves the National Assembly.
They were now claiming that, as it represented most of the nation, it had the right to manage its affairs and decide taxation.
Events were rapidly moving out of control of the government, especially when on 19 June, the clergy voted to join the third estate.

Question 17

What is the Tennis Court Oath?

Answer 17

The king acted on this direct challenge to his authority from the third estate by holding a royal session, seance royale, attended by all three estates.
20 June, the deputies of the third estate found the hall where they met was closed in preparation.
Instead they met on a tennis court nearby and took an oath not to disperse until they had given France a constitution.
They were rapidly becoming more radical.

Question 18

How did the Crown respond to the events of the Estates General?

Answer 18

At the Seance Royale on 23 June, Louis declared the previous decisions of the deputies to be null.
He would not allow the priveleges of the nobility and clergy to be discussed in common.
However, he did accept that:
No taxes would be imposed without the consent of the nation’s representatives.
Lettres de cachet would be abolished.
Freedom of the press would be introduced.
Internal customs barriers would be abolished.

Question 19

What are lettres de cachet?

Answer 19

Sealed instructions from the Crown allowing detention without trial of a named individual.

Question 20

What happened on the 24-27 June 1789?

Answer 20

24 June 151 clergy joined the third estate.
25 June 47 nobles, including Louis’ leading opponent, the Duc d’Orleans, did the same. There were popular demonstrations in Paris in favour of the assembly.
27 June the king gave way. He reversed the 23 June decision and ordered the nobles and clergy to join the third estate and vote by head.

Question 21

What strategy was Louis planning alternatively?

Answer 21

Military force, nearly 4000 troops were stationed around Paris in late June, many of whom were elite units of the army, the French guards, whose loyalty to the crown was certain.
This alarmed the capital despite the government claiming they were to only preserve order.
In under a week, over 20,000 troops were in the city.
Louis and his advisors appeared to be about to use force to dissolve the national assembly, but the revolt of the Paris people saved this.

Question 22

What was the cause of the revolt in Paris?

Answer 22

The situation was very volatile when the Estates General met.
The economic crises, price of bread and unemployment, were pushing France towards revolution.
Falling living standards created dissatisfaction, leading to discontent.
Political opponents of the king were harnessing the discontent to bring crowds on the streets to support the National Assembly.
This was a dangerously unstable situation and contributed to the emergence of a popular movement.
Protests were directed against the government because of its inability to deal with the economic crisis.

Question 23

What is the start of the popular movement?

Answer 23

In late June, journalists and politicians made the Palais Royal in Paris their permanent headquarters for the movement.
It’s central location made it popular.
Each night, thousands of ordinary Parisians listened to revolutionary speakers.

Question 24

What is the popular movement?

Answer 24

By 11 July there were 25,000 troops in Paris and Versailles.
The king felt strong enough to dismiss Necker.
On 12 july, the news of his dismissal reached Paris, inspiring large-scale demonstrations against the king.
Many Parisians flocked to the Palais Royal, and speakers called on them to take up arms.
When the troops were ordered to withdraw, many deserted to the opponents of the king.
Barricades were thrown up to impede the progress of any attack by royal forces loyal to the king.

Question 25

Why was the Bastille stormed?

Answer 25

The search for weapons took them to an old soldier’s retirement home, where they seized 28,000 muskets and 20 cannon.
They still needed ammunition, so marched on the Bastille, which served as a permanent reminder of the power of the Ancien Regime.

Question 26

What were the events of the storming of the Bastille?

Answer 26

14 July, the crowd, many were Sans Culottes, outside the Bastille were denied entry by the governor, who also refused to hand over any gunpowder.
There was no intention of storming the fortress, although a group managed to enter the inner courtyard.
Troops opened fire on them and 98 were killed.
The Gardes Francais (troops) overcame the defenders and the governor was decapitated by the crowd.

Question 27

What is the establishment of the Commune of Paris?

Answer 27

The events were unplanned and a reaction to the actions of the king and his ministers.
Middle class Parisians who were worried about their safety and security of their property, took action to regain control.
On 15 July, the 60 Paris electors set up a new body to govern the city, the Commune.
This would be the forefront of the clash between Parisians and the king.

Question 28

What is the Citizen’s militia?

Answer 28

Proposed on 10 July, a Bourgeois defence force was set up to protect the interests of property owners in France.
After the storming of the Bastille, 15 July, it became the National Guard.
Lafayette was appointed as leader.

Question 29

What is the significance of the storming of the Bastille?

Answer 29

Most:
The king had lost control in Paris, where the protestors set up a commune to run the city.
Louis could no longer dictate the Assembly, as he could not rely on support of the army.
Real power had passed from the king to the members of the Assembly, Louis now shared his power.
The now Constituent Assembly prepared to draw up a constitution, no longer under the threat of being dissolved.
The news of it spread through France and intensified activity amongst peasantry.
It led to the emigration of some nobles.

Question 30

What is the revolution in the provincial towns?

Answer 30

The news of the capture of the Bastille spread to the provinces, causing similar challenges, the muncipal revolution, for the whole of July 1789.
The King’s authority collapsed in most French towns.
The king’s orders were now only obeyed if approved by the constituent assembly.

Question 31

How did revolution in the provinces differ?

Answer 31

In Bourdeaux, the electors of the third estate seized control.
In most towns, including Lyon, Lille and Rouen, the old corporations were overthrown by force. In other towns, like Dijon and Pamiers, the former councils stayed in office, but were integrated into a committee where they were the minority.
In nearly every town, a National Guard was formed.

Question 32

What is revolution in the countryside?

Answer 32

The peasants had been badly affected by bad harvests and depression in the textiles industry.
This led to food riots, which were made more important by the political events taking place.
The calling of the Estates General aroused excitement as they believed the king would not have asked them to make cahiers if he did not intend to do anything about them.
Grain stores were looted, Chateaux were attacked and burnt, document which listed peasant obligations were seized and destroyed.

Question 33

What is the Great Fear?

Answer 33

There was little bloodshed in the countryside, only landowners who resisted were killed.
20 July, the attacks on the Chateaux started and became part of the Great fear, lasting until 6 August.
It began as a result of rumours that aristocracy would destroy the harvest.
When this did not happen, peasants turned their anger against landlords.

Question 34

What were the August Decrees?

Answer 34

In the decrees of 5-11th of August the National Assembly declared:
Tithes payable to the church were abolished.
Venality was abolished.
Financial and tax priveleges were abolished.
All citizens to be taxed equally.
All citizens without distinction of birth were elligible for all offices.
Special privileges for provinces, principalities, pays, cantons, towns and villages were abolished.

Question 35

What was the significance of the August Decrees?

Answer 35

It was very significant.
It was important in starting the dismantling of the Ancien Regime.
It marked the end of noble power and privelege of birth.
All Frenchmen had the same rights and duties, could enter any profession according to their ability and would pay the same taxes.
However, the career open to talent benefitted the bourgeoisie rather than the workers, who lacked the education.

Question 36

What is the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen?

Answer 36

Issued 26 August, it condemned the practices of the Ancien Regime and outlined the rights of citizens:
All men are born free and equal in their rights.
The main rights of man are liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression.
Power rests with the people.
Freedom of worship, to own property, and expression through speech and publication.
Taxation in proportion to their means.

Question 37

What is the significance of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen?

Answer 37

Very significant:
It would outlast the constitution and would be an inspiration to Liberals throughout Europe in the 19th centrury.
It placed power in the hands of the people - a huge contrast to other European Nations.
However, it mainly represented the interests of the property-owning bourgeoisie.

Question 38

What is the Nationalisation of Church Land?

Answer 38

By September the government was facing serious financial crisis.
Many in the Assembly were considering radical action against the church to raise funds.
After debates, on 2 November they agreed that all property owned by the church should be nationalised.
Bonds called assignats were issued and sold, backed up by the sale of church land.
Royal land was also sold.

Question 39

What is the significance of nationalisation of church land?

Answer 39

The estimated value of all the property was 2000 million livres, and the first sale of church and royal land was anticipated to be 400 million livres.
This money would go far towards meeting the government’s financial needs.
The assignats were used to settle debts and for purchasing goods.
The peasants were given financial independence.
So it was quite significant as it generated huge income for the treasury, and decreased the power of the church.

Question 40

How did Louis respond to the dismantling of the Ancien Regime?

Answer 40

He could not use force against the assembly as the loyalty of the army was in doubt.
Instead he did not co-operate and refused to officially support the August Decrees and Declaration of Rights.
The Assembly decided to give the king a suspensive veto, where he could suspend or delay all laws other than financial ones for up to 4 years.
The legislative power was given to the Assembly.

Question 41

What are the October Days?

Answer 41

1 October: Officers trampled on the tricolour cockade and replaced it with the white flag of the Bourbons.
In Paris feelings ran high and demands that the king should be brought back there.
Meanwhile there was a food shortage in Paris.
On the 5th a crowd of women stormed the headquarters of the commune, demanding bread.
They marched to Versailles, in total 20,000 including Lafayette, to complain to the king and Assembly.
They invaded the Assembly and sent a deputation to the king, who agreed to provide grain, and approve the August Decrees and Declaration of Rights.
On the 6th, the Royal Family and the National Assembly moved to Paris.

Question 42

What is the significance of the October Days?

Answer 42

It was a very significant event.
The king regarded himself as a prisoner in Paris and therefore not bound to anything he was forced to accept.
The Assembly had been ignored and humiliated in these events, and felt just as imprisoned, and found it more difficult to compromise with the king.
A decree was issued that changed the status and title of the monarch, Louis was now subordinate to the law.
He feels less able to use his veto and his political power and influence is reduced.