3.2.2 - War and revolt Flashcards
What was the constitution of 1791?
The first constitutional document of the Revolution would define the authority, structure, and powers of the new government. France became a Constitutional Monarchy. It meant that the taxation of all citizens was in proportion to their means, admission of all citizens to offices, freedom of speech, the right to assemble, etc.
What impact did the King’s attempt to escape France have on the new constitution?
The king’s attempt to escape Paris and the revolution broughtanti-royalist and republican sentiment to the boil. The Constitution of 1791 was passed in September but it had been fatally compromised by the king’s betrayal. France now had a constitutional monarchy but the monarch, by his actions, had shown no faith in the constitution.
Explain the Brissot and the rise of the Girondins:
Brissot argued that France’s problems came from: enemies outside France determined to restore the power of the monarchy, and enemies within France who were conspiring to bring down the revolution. The people who gathered around Brissot were known as Brissotins, later known as Girondins. The group was moderate-left bourgeois republicans who represented the interests of the provinces.
Girondins declaration of war:
As fears of war increased, the Girondins’ argument was that France needed to strike first to achieve victory grew in popularity. The speeches of Brissot encouraged people to believe that France was under attack. This rhetoric convinced the deputies of the Centre and led to the dismissal of the Feuillants.
What were the Jacobins opinions on the war?
Most Jacobins supported the war, but people like Marat, Robespierre, and Danton opposed it because they believed that victory would give power to Generals like Lafayette.
