CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY Flashcards
1790-1793
when was the national assembly formed
17th june 1789
- they became a legitimate body once Necker and the King accepted their existence (27th June for the King)
- their statement was they would not disband until a constitution is founded (sept 1791)
describe the civil constitution of the clergy / reforms it made
- church boundaries were redrawn to correspond with administrative divisions, with only 1 bishop per department (83 bishops, not 135 - limit corruption)
- clergymen were now paid, as clergy men had to reside in their department
- bishops and priests were elected (control to citizens)
- power to the pope to validate bishop appointments was removed (pope validated this in exchange for retaining control in avignon)
*church is subservient to state)
date:
1. of the civil constitution of the clergy
2. of when louis accepted the civil constitution
- 12th July 1790 (cc of c)
- louis accepted = december 1790
list some of the motivations for church reform in france / the civil constitution of the clergy (there are 6 main motivations)
- curb and challenge the power of the monarchy (given the power it exerts through the church)
- in order to further enforce liberty and erode this class system (ie benefit being concentrated among a select few)
- the church was very polarizing and was inhibiting attempts at equality and unity in france
- the church had associations with the ancien regime and absolute monarchy (wanted to signify a pivot from this)
- the church should not be as ‘big’ now, given enlightenment ideals suppressed the popularity and widespread practice of religion (rationality was taking over from belief)
- the church had significant financial prospects (given it was so wealthy) - it could relieve the debt of the state
describe the general church reforms made by the assembly from 1789-1790 (with dates for reform) (5)
- church lands were nationalised (2nd november 1789) - biens nationaux
- this allowed for increasing ownership (1/3 of peasantry) - funds - abolishing pluralism and the ability to hold more than one ecclesiastical post at a time (limit ideas of corruption)
- the tithe is abolished (state controls funding of the church)
- don gratuit is abolished (cannot decide own tax)
- protestants gain full citizenship (december 1789) - religious toleration
date of the OATH to the civil constitution
27th november 1790
- polarizing
describe the oath of the civil constitution
- assembly decree that the clergy / church members must swear to be loyal to the french nation / revolution
- if they did not take this oath, members of the church were deprived of their offices and salaries
- it was to determine who was and was not loyal to the revolution, using the church as a way and means of doing this
key statistics about the oath to the civil constitution
- in flanders + alsace, less than 25% took the oath
- in western regions (nantes), majority refuse to take the oath (they are more right wing, monarchist areas), but in central regions / south, more than 65% take the oath (ie Nice) - enlightenment impact
- 54% of parish clergy take the oath
- bocage county - priests take the oath as a ‘duty’ and favour to citizens
- only 7/160 bishops are ready to take the oath
consequences of the oath to the civil constitution
- it was completely blown out of proportion - it was the idea that one issue would symbolise and dictate revolutionary progress - triggers a negative view of revolution and questions committment
- the national assembly occupy avignon (after a plebicite) and annex it -to france - legitimacy / popular support - breakdown in relations with pope
- france is now aware of actions of assembly and unprecedented relations w pope - the national assembly declare in november 1791, that all ‘non juring’ priests are counter-revolutionaries (they could later be deported in may 1792 - helped by fear of war)
- catagorization + encourage clergy to flee abroad - polarizes revolution because of its binary nature - becomes a battle of church v state with no UNITY / CONSENSUS (people become less willing to support revolution due to its nature of sacrifice)
- also creates a wider gap between priests who accept and reject the oath
- some soon begin to distrust the pope and view him as an infringer of liberty, whilst others distrusted the assembly for violating a longstanding institution and attempting to change their faith
reaction / actions of pope to the civil constitution / oath
- the pope initially refuses to act on these actions, remaining silent (in order to protect property and to not coerce people to act a specific way, with this new emphasis on liberty)
- the pope didn’t want to trigger this episcopal despotism and reinforce divides with the assembly
- after the oath, the pope releases a papal bull letter in april 1791 condemning the oath (“poisoned source”), attacking the assembly and which encouraged other bishops to retract their oath
- pope suspends those who take the oath
- the pope introduces a deadline for people to retract their oath
main themes from the civil constitution of the clergy
- difficulty of revolution to position itself alongside traditional religion (binary)
- notion of counter-revolution (esp of the king)
- lack of unity
- political opposition to the assembly
describe changes to voting procedure / elections were changed under the assembly from 1789
- 3 tiers of voting are established
- there becomes a distinction between active and passive citizens
- the franchise is expanded
- elections were now held once every 2 years
what and when was the festival of the federation
14th july 1790
- celebrated the anniversary of the bastille through abolishing feudalism and celebrating freedom / liberty
describe the 3 tiers of voting
1st tier:
- those who paid taxes of 1.5-3 livres in tax
- power to decide who was eligible in primary elections to nominate electors + officials
2nd tier:
- citizens pay 5-10 livres in tax
- this was to stand for a local government
- paying this tax allowed you to stand in second stage of elections
3rd tier:
- 50 days labour or 52 livres in tax
- this was to become an assembly deputy
- only 50,000 people could afford this out of 25 million people
active citizens:
- was around 61% of the population - meaning voting reform allowed for more enfranchisement + widest in Europe
describe the distinction between active and passive citizens
active:
- men over 25
- lived in one place for one year
- paid direct tax worth 3 days labour
- they were given political rights
- this was 61% of people
passive:
- those who therefore only had civil rights, not voting rights
- this was over 10 million
*created in december 1789
why was and was not voting procedure free or equal
was:
- wider enfranchisement which could reduce political apathy
- encourages political engagement
- appearance of having more inclusivity and political tolerance
- values elected offices to reduce corruption and venality
was not:
- voting ability was dictated by your financial situation - fundamental political rights were limited by wealth and employment (of which higher positions of employment were difficult to attain by peasantry)
- deputy positions were reserved for the elite
- voting rights were limited to income, property and land
- passive citizens cannot afford to vote (there was no degree of inclusivity to majority of 3rd estate, it was very much specialised to the bourgeoisie)
- disparity in income = local government was in the hands of wealthy and propertied people
what changes to political office were made
- parlements were abolished
- public offices were all elected, instead of having government officials
what changes did the assembly make to powers regarding the king
- king would have a private income and access to 25 million livres, 20 million less than in ancien regime (financial co-operation)
- october 1789 - louis becomes the king of the french, NOT france, to promote accountability and his power stemming from the people
- the king would select ministers to form a cabinet, but they could not be in the assembly (assembly was fully elected)
- the king was given a suspensory veto, but after 4 years a measure would become law
- this was to promote a balance of power
describe the september 1791 constitution introduced by the national assembly
13th september 1791 = this constitution is accepted by louis AFTER VARENNES + CHAMP DE MARS**
- the constitution establishes a constitutional monarchy
- this created 3 distinct branches of government, with the elected assembly as the legislature, with the king being the executive and the judiciary being independent
- the constitution limits the powers of the king, imposing veto boundaries, ethics standards and combatting his despotism
- constitutional and financial matters are now in the hands of elected chambers (ie foreign conflict, taxation etc)
- creates the legislative assembly (oct 1791)
describe the administrative reforms made by the assembly after 1789
november 1789 = old provinces were abolished, and france was reformed into 83 equally sized departments, which would have districts (547) and communes within these
feb - june 1790 - each department had an ELECTED council of 36 people (accountability) , with 8 being directly in charge of administration
- this displayed that the assembly promoted a decentralisation of power to prevent concentration of power with a monarchy
- this heavily streamlined bureaucracy
how were and were not administrative reforms free and equal
were:
- all council leaders had to be elected, promoting this idea of accountability
- there were more leaders, and more connective governments (communes created)
- administration was now uniform
- elected nature meant power was NOT AS centralised with upper classes
were not:
- voting procedure meant the original bourgeoisie were those benefitting from being in government or well represented - amplified voice
- elected officials were underpaid - corruption
- administrative costs - there was over 2 billion of debt by 1791
describe legal reform under the assembly from 1789
administrative change:
1. justice of peace - hear minor civil cases in cantons (groups of communes)
- JPs elected by active citizens, but were always upper class members given they paid tax of 10 days wages
2. there were then district courts for severe civil cases
3. each department had a court for criminal cases
- elected for a fix term based on experience
4. criminal cases would have 2 sets of a jury (one for judgement and one if prosecution is necessary)
5. one main high court of appeal is made
- emphasis on legal rights
describe the fundamental legal rights created under the assembly
- free and fair justice (found in declaration of rights of man 1789)
- accused person brought before a judge within 24 hours
- right to judicial representation
- torture was abandoned as a method
- property of people accused would not be seized
- promoted fair and proportionate sentences to not pose burdens on families
- trials were open to the public (degree of accountability)
how were and were not legal reforms free and equal
were:
- justices were paid salaries - remove corruption, promote independence and neutrality
- was the most complex and fair judicial system in europe that the time
- justices were elected based on experience - not based on wealth, which would promote accountability (at least every 2 years)
- justices were all elected (notion of needing to be properly qualified)
- torture as a form of killing is outlawed
- access to complex jury trials - idea of impartial judgements
- each individual had to be brought to the court within 24 hours
- trials were much cheaper
were not:
- minor civil cases lacked appeal - in a sense, justice was only extended to an extent
- notion of terror - guillotine torture was implemented and relied on (culture of conformity and fear)
- legal manipulation by higher classes due to access to positions / money paid for positions (venality to a degree)
what was the name of the high court established in france by the assembly
tribunal de cassation
describe reform to taxation by the national assembly from 1789
- december 1789 = assignats were issued to obtain money for church land, which relieved the pressures of debt (but caused inflation)
- indirect taxation was gradually worn off
- gabelle removed in march 1790
- aides etc removed in 1791 - contributions of upper classes
- those earning more than 400 livres a year paid a ‘patriotic contribution’ of 25% of income in 2 years
- there were still significant taxation burdens on the peasantry, because ‘patriotic contributions’ were ineffective - taxation
- a land tax was formed - may 1791 (but this system was still unfair because taxation was disproportionate)
- a poll tax was created
- and tax was limited on commercial activity
how were and were not economic reforms free and equal
were:
- there was a degree of a higher taxation burden on upper classes through the ‘patriotic contribution’
- to an extent, the taxation burden was lowered
- original revolutionaries have opportunities for land ownership and had more economic power
were not:
- assignat - if the economy fell, the value of the bond fell too = lack of stability and economic consistency
- the bourgeoisie were the main beneficiaries of this land on sale because they were less financially constrained (ownership of peasantry limited)
- indirect taxes were not automatically eliminated
- economic benefits were disproportionately concentrated with the bourgeoisie
- high prices would place economic burdens on peasantry - food prices remained relatively steep
- prices of food were not united, but lacked unity (mirroring past ancien regime divisions)
- became this idea of capitalism over a second estate nobility
general changes to society under the national assembly
- 1789 = venality and titles are abolished to create a more equal society based on name
- everyone became a ‘citizen’ removing this idea of masters and a mistress
- marriage became a civil institution and commitment, not a religious commitment
- higher access to more official positions in government
- individuals are forced to carry the livret and employment records
- the le chaptelier law of june 1791 was implemented
- however, there was a much more distinct difference between passive and active citizens, giving expansive power to the more wealthy and original revolutionaries
describe reform to the economy by the national assembly from 1789
- removed internal tariffs and trade barriers
- ie grain was controlled by the free market
- bodies which dictated this trade / corporate bodies were abolished in 1791 - less of a monopoly - administrative changes
- economic policies were devolved to local departments and deputies to control, in order to boost the local economy - promoted the sale of church land
- peasantry and bourgeoisie are now owning land and have more control over land
paragraphs for if france was more fair and equal under changes
- judicial reform
- economic reform
- political / voting reform
describe the flight to varennes
20th-21st june 1791
- the royal family attempts to flee to austria, given the support of the austrian royal family, who controlled the border with france
- when travelling, the family lacked a disguise and there were strategic difficulties which led to a lack of protection for the family
- drouet (local) found the king
- the national assembly representatives were forced to escort the royal family back to paris, in which they were greeted with disrespect
how were changes to society more and less equal / fair
more equal / fair:
- less social distinctions and use of titles to establish a hierarchy in society - society was more focused on social equality, not position
- society became less oriented around the church (through marriage etc)
less equal / fair:
- gender inequality - men were more powerful than women - women were still reduced
- expansive employer power
- greater power given to active citizens over passive citizens
- forced all workers to carry a livret (idea that there was a degree of economic fear etc)
what was the le chapelier law
14th june 1791 law
- it limited freedom of association and the conducting of strikes / unions
- limited abilities to protect and enshrine workers rights
describe the consequences of the flight to varennes (4)
- mutual distrust between the king and political representatives
- the idea of a constitutional monarchy was starting to break down
- only 290 assembly deputies refused to suspend his powers (only 290/577) - popular discontent to louis
- louis did not understand the purpose and importance of revolutionary gains
- he wrote a list of complaints found at varennes displaying how he was not sincere to revolution
- demands for a republic spread - formation of a ‘temporary suspension’
- formed on 16th july 1791
- this was to re-evaluate power dynamics which would be discussed in the september 1791 constitution
- eroded the power of the king - social tensions
- employers and aristocrats flee
- 6000 fled by end of 1791 - extensive social hostilities
- triggered protests among working classes
motivations for the king to flee to varennes in 1791
- he was being held a political prisoner - this mean he would exercise minimal authority and control
- they fled to austria to re-instate a monarchy - the rise in political clubs sidelined the influence of the monarchy, and these clubs adopted increasingly radical ideas
- the magnetism and ideas of the king were sidelined
- for example, the civil constitution of the clergy sidelined the monarch’s power and forced him into action he did not support
- no accountability for actions - apply pressure to revolutionaries
- fear of only having a republic, with no monarchy was too radical for most
*overall, he lacked authority and influence, thereby making his rule pointless, as the power dynamics had titled toward a constitution, in a constitutional monarchy
describe the response of the NA to the flight of varennes
- NA pretend that the king was kidnapped by old aristocrats (further portraying old nobility and upper estates as evil)
- instead, they remove and suspend the king’s veto power
- the national assembly soon reinstate his power, because they feared that there was no suitable alternative to a constitutional monarchy (not ready for full republicanism - too radical)
reaction of foreign powers to the flight of varennes
- foreign powers claimed that they would accept a french constitution and fully supported louis
- european powers do everything possible to protect the monarchy, given the fear of revolution spreading
- austrians and prussians launch a declaration
reaction of political clubs to the flight of varennes
- 15th july 1791 - barnave (feuillant) gives a speech about the flight to varennes
- claimed revolution was in danger
- reinforced a distrust for the king
- claimed the king was violating the constitution too much
- the king’s flight was betrayal to the country and compromised revolution - july 1791 - the cordelier club draft a petition to the national assembly
- idea that louis had too much power and was despotic
- louis was inhibiting revolutionary progress
- claims of tyrannicide
- claims the NA response was too weak
- reinforces revolutionary divides
- want a more autonomous nation - L’ami du peuple
- promoted mob action to depose king
revolutionaries:
- feared that foreign powers were intervening in revolution
- revolutionaries don’t want to inhibit / lose revolutionary progress
- unwilling to force military progress
- revolutionaries adopt more extreme, anti-monarch beliefs / petition for a republic
describe the champ de mars massacre
17th july 1791
- the cordelier club organise a meeting at champ de mars to advocate for the signing of a petition to establish a republic (due to varennes)
- it was also a patriotic event to celebrate the fall of the bastille
- 6000 people attended
- the assembly send lafayette and the national guard (created in 1789 before bastille) to install order
- national guard proceeded to fire directly onto the croud due to abuse from political clubs (displays polarization)
- around 50 people were killed
describe the consequences of champ de mars
- political polarization
- radicals describe this as a betrayal by moderates
- the mob became increasingly radicalised
- feuillants club is established and BREAKS AWAY FROM JACOBINS*** to counter radicalism
- revolution lacked unity - climate of fear / loss of control
- there was overarching fear of the power of the mob
- lafayette completely loses all control
- bailly forced to step down as mayor of paris
- sets a precedent for violence - censorship
- patriotic political clubs are forced to be shut
- suppressed extremist political movements
- internal tension and anxiety in france because of a lack of cohesion and fear of losing revolution
what happened on the 24th june 1791
- 30,000 people march on the national assembly demanding a republic
- they are forced back by the national guard
describe the feuillant club, their political beliefs and key leaders
- established after champ de mars purely to prevent the radicalisation of revolution, due to increasing mob violence and power
- supports a constitutional monarchy to protect revolution and louis
- thought protest was too radical
- much more conservative and support the king
key leaders:
- lafayette
- barnarve (he joins after champ de mars - flexible spectrum)
- roland
*also high membership = extensive influence but more middle class appeal
describe the cordelier club and their political beliefs and key leaders
beliefs:
- wanted a republic, did not support a CM or the monarchy
- did not trust the king (thought he was not committed)
- supported equality and condemned more right wing politics
- heavily involved in champ de mars / radical acts
- violence to accelerate and bring out revolution
- more representative of society and its radicalism
- wanted to check the actions of the assembly to prevent despotism
key leaders:
- open membership / no fee (appeal to lower classes, larger membership) - more radicalised and easier amplification of dislike for king
- danton
- desmoulins
- marat
*was initially the society of the friends of the rights of man and citizen
describe the jacobins and their political beliefs and key leaders
beliefs:
- initially very radical
- suspicious of king because they thought he threatened revolution
- led peaceful protest against king
- initially supported a constitutional monarchy
key leaders:
- barnarve (old president of NA)
- robespierre
- saint just
- aug 1790 = 152 clubs across france, 1000 people by end of 1790
*had a high entrance fee to join - idea of elitism and very influential - wealth could distort power, but later fees were reduced
describe the monarchiens and their political beliefs and key leaders
beliefs:
- wanted to protect rights and privileges of the king
- did not support a republic
- however, supported limited powers for the king and reigning in despotism
- supported a constitutional monarchy
- support popular sovereignty and political accountability
- more moderate (ie not monarchist but not radical - support revolution)
- but they were split between king and revolution, and over time could not do both
key figures:
- assembly deputies
- mirabeau
describe the problems for lafayette after the champ de mars massacre
- lafayette is forced to protect the revolution and counter revolution
- france is so polarized that lafayette cannot protect the king, constitution and revolution
how did champ de mars polarise the revolution
- declares martial law - expansive power of the military and induces a state of fear
- the methods of achieving revolution and what government should now look like vastly differ - minimal unity
- vast ideological differences, with there now being divisions on what todo with the king
- revolution was radicalised, with violence being normalised (sets precedents)
- there were differences over methods (with questions about violence vs political procedure to invoke change)
- fear of losing revolution encourages people to take more extreme methods to protect it - increases factionalism
- the voices of radicals are amplified much more
- fear of foreign power revolution vs anti-monarchy revolution
give the names of some of the pamphlets produced by political clubs
- les actes des apotres - defended monarchy
- l’ami du roi - defended monarchy
describe the emigres and their political beliefs
- they fled france during the revolution
- staunch support for louis and wanted to restore his position
- conservative, right wing - monarchists
- opposed the revolution, esp its radicalisation
- sympathetic to louis - would not harm revolution
key leaders:
- were typically rich landowners
- no specific key leaders
give example members of the society of 89
- mirabeau
- bailly
- lafayette
what was the fraternal society
- founded in 1790
- artisans and shopkeepers would have the decrees of the assembly explained to them
- this would promote accountability
give the newspapers of:
- desmoulins
- marat
- hebert
desmoulins = cordelier = the revolutions of france and brabant
marat = l’ami du peuple
hebert = le pere duchesne - popular among workers
describe power in france by the end of 1791
- lack of centralised power, as power was instead only with the king, but popular power was centralised with political clubs, and the power of the assembly reduced
- the assembly itself was divided
- the king was undermined by the assembly
- due to a lack of solidified and centralised power, force was relied on
when were communes created
- july 1790
- this gave increasing power to the parisian commune, making the assembly ultimately accountable to them, and halting political action
describe the positions held by danton and his beliefs
positions:
- minister of justice in 1792
- member of leg assembly
- president of CPS in 1793
beliefs:
- support september massacres
- helped support the cordelier club
- encouraged the overthrow of monarchy
describe the beliefs of marat
- criticised moderate revolutionaries
- wanted radical change
- wanted a temporary dictatorship to deal with emergencies (ie war)
- supported centralised power
- popular with the sans culottes
what was the declaration of pilnitz and describe it
27th august 1791
- was declared by prussian and austrian emperors
- stated that the protection of the french king was a common interest for the nation
- claimed that power to the king must be restored
- this declaration threatened force to bring about a restoration of royal power (because louis was temporarily suspended)
- it also encouraged emigres to await on the border
what was the impact of the declaration of pilnitz
- increasing distrust for the monarchy because it was still viewed as despotic
- this increased a fear of counter-revolution (by 1791, 60% of pre-revolutionary army officers would wait at german and austrian borders)
- german and austrian armies begin to build up troops by the french border
- it could be aruged it lacked impact - it was not widely reported on within france
- fear of imposed war on france which would divide revolutionaries
- the assembly promoted a war to unite france against foreign enemies and expose counter-revolution**
- hostilities develop between monarchs and revolutionaries
describe the composition of the new legislative assembly
formed on 1st october 1791 (it effectively replaced the national assembly)
- there were 136 jacobins / girondins (more republican, suspicious of king)
- there were 345 centrists and independents (la plaine - more conservative + monarchist)
- there were 264 feuillants and constitutional monarchists (support king)
*however, left wing deputies did not support yet, bc they wanted to consolidate rev at home first
what were the 3 decrees introduced by the legislative assembly about emigres and how did louis respond to this
31st october:
- decree for the king’s brother to return to france or he would lose inheritance rights
9th november:
- emigres had to return to france before 1st jan 1792
- otherwise their property would be seized
- they would also not be let back into france
- LOUIS REJECTS ON 11TH NOV
29th november:
- refractory priests (ie those who previously refused to take the CC) must take the oath, or be deemed traitors
- the assembly also plea to louis for him to stop rejecting legislation as they realise he is fundamental to peacekeeping
- LOUIS REJECT ON 19TH DECEMBER
LOUIS USES HIS PARTIAL VETO TO DELAY BOTH LAWS
what was the idea of self-denying ordinance and why did robespierre support it
- the idea that nobody in the national assembly could sit in the legislative assembly (prevent continuation)
- it meant that there was a larger proportion of young people in the assembly who would have more republican beliefs
- it would prevent the previous assembly from clouding moral judgement and inhibiting revolutionary progress
- would allow for the turnover of power + no entrenchment of power
problems with the idea of self-denying ordinance
- increasing representation of younger people
- 50% = under 30
- no knowledge of revolution
- minimal experience
- but overwhelmingly bougeoisie - power is now with younger people and centralised with political clubs
- increasing power with political clubs in paris to act as pressure groups
who were the brissotins and their position on war
a group led by brissot, who turned into the girondin
- supported a war bc those oppressed in foriegn nations would welcome them as ‘men of liberty’
what factors led to a failure of the constitutional monarchy
- the national assembly / leg assembly
- civil constitution of the clergy
- creation of federes in june 1792 - actions of the king
- ie flight to varennes
- his actions regarding vetoes (11th nov + 13th dec) + supporting emigres - promoted counter rev behaviour
- establishing relations w foreign powers (ie austria) - pilnitz + padua
- vetoes on assembly war decrees - political clubs
- champ de mars
describe the padua circular and its impact
july 5th 1791
- the king was being held as a prisoner against his will - he needs to be free
- the king must be released and he should not be disrespected
- restore power of king
impact:
- fear of war / military action against revolutionaries
- fear that revolution will be destroyed
- foreign powers are willing to invade
- foreign monarchs fail to realise legitimacy of revolution
what did …. think on war:
1. jacobins
2. girondins
- jacobins
- did not want war
- prioritised consolidating a domestic revolution before and international one
- france was not ready for war
- thought that war would violate individual liberty
- war would risk revolution - focus on internal loyalty - girondins
- supported war
- thought that those being oppressed in foreign countries would view revolutionaries as protectors of liberty
- supported war to spread revolutionary ideals
- war should be used to install revolutionary confidence
- felt the need to address foreign enemies of revolution
- wanted war to force the king to pick between france and revolution and expose internal counter-revolution and lack of loyalty
what did …. think on war:
1. feuillants
2. the king
- feuillants
- supported a war
- war would drive out jacobins and radicals and stabilise / moderate revolution
- thought that a war would bring revolution back in control
- war would also give power back to the king to protect him - king
- supported a war
- thought a war would allow other international monarchies to save their power
- a war would restore royal authority and increase patriotism toward a french support base
- war would unite france in favour of king (enthusiasm)
when was war declared on france
20th april 1792
- in feb 1792, prussia and austria made a military alliance against france
- prussia promised 20,000 men against france
describe the 1791 saint-domingue revolt and describe what government economic mechanism was falling
- enslaved africans rose up in SD
- they destroy sugar and coffee plantations
- they were following revolutionary ideas of liberty
- installed fear that revolution was eroding order abroad
- also, the assignats were falling in value by august 1791
how did the legislative assembly radicalise revolution
- assembly responded and was enthused to the idea of war - radicalisation
- idea of self-denying ordinance (younger, more republican)
- the assembly had self-selecting seats, which increased factionalism
- members of the assembly had stakes in slave plantations abroad (idea of using violence to suppress outcry)
- enforced ‘white only’ voting systems in local government + gave voting to mulattoes (backlash)
describe the 6 key dates for the war
- 20th april - war is declared on france by prussians and austrians with breakdown of agreement
- april 28th = french troops retreat at sight of enemy and massacre their own officer in lille
- 27th may - voted that refractory priests would be deported for disturbing france (decree of 29th nov)
- 29th may - assembly order disbanding of king’s guard (who were antiwar) - over 1200 of them
- 8th june - assembly create a federe camp of 20,000 men to expand the national guard - radicalised war
- 2nd july - army of north forced to retreat
*louis blocks 27th, 29th may and 8th june decrees
what decree did louis accept
29th nov 1791
- a decree which would threaten electors in mainz and trier with war if they did not expel emigres from their territory
- displays louis following the assembly and accelerating their demands for war by going after enemies of the assembly
describe the 20th june journee and what do they demand, how does louis respond
- mob of 8000 SC and cordelier club march to tuileries
- included people such as antoine santerre, louis legendre etc
demands:
- louis to withdraw his vetos against the leg assembly and put in ministers who would further the war
- to fix the economic situation (ie inflation)
- for louis to listen to more of their problems and adapt to represent working classes
- force the loyalty of louis to the nation
- remove anyone who was not loyal to the nation (ie priests)
- remove the partial veto and accept the power of the nation / their rights
louis response:
- louis is open and accountable to the demands of protesters
- the king instead gives in, wears the revolutionary bonnet and praises the nation
- claims to respect the revolution
- refuses to withdraw vetoes of decrees
- presents himself as assertive
- louis does not promise change
- it was peaceful, as when the king and mayor dismissed protesters - king throws bonnet on floor later
describe the 10th august journee
- 20,000 sc and 2000 federes march to tuileries
- the king was advised to wait in the assembly, and to be assertive and strong, whilst swiss guards and loyal national guardsmen defended the palace
- there are demands to suspend and remove louis’ veto
- many of the feuillants are turning anti-monarchist at the actions of louis
- sc enter the hall and demand that all deputies must make an oath to maintain liberty and equality
- the vast number of troops displays extensive dislike for the king
- the sc convinced many loyal national guardsmen to defect
- the swiss guard want to defect but cannot, fear what king will do
- king ordered not to fire, but they fire anyway
- swiss guards are forced to surrender because protesters completely destroy papers which symbolised despotism etc
- servants and deputies of the king are all killed
- there was continuous fighting between swiss guards and mob
what was the key problem with the composition of the french army
- internal divisions within the army
- there were the ‘blues’ who were active citizens, members of the national guard
- there were the ‘whites’ who were men from the old royal army
- the army commanders were also not trusted because they were appointed by louis (ie lafayette)
- officers were inexperienced
when was roland dismissed
13th june 1792
- he tried to encourage the king not to veto these decrees
- the king dismissed him
- with all louis’ vetoes, it had been 5 vetos since oct 1791 (no co-operation)
who were the sans culottes
- groups of left wing workers, who wanted radical, violent changes
- they supported danton, marat, robespierre etc
- they would meet in the parisian sections (48 sections) and arrange journees etc
- they despised the bourgeoisie and elites and advocated for significant economic reforms
- they were critical revolutionaries
how does the public respond to the 20th june journee
- 28th june: the assembly condemns the attempted use of violence and develop a pro-monarchy sentiment (louis needs more credit)
- there were more divides in the assembly, some justifying the SC action (girondin) and claiming louis must step down
- 29th july - robespierre (after influence by communes) in the assembly claims the need for a republic, claiming a constitutional monarchy had broken down
what and when was the brunswick manifesto
25th july 1792
- members of national guard who were captured would be put to death without mercy
- it called for the protection of the king, and harm will be done if he is not protected (protect monarchy)
- it was issued by foreign enemy armies
- this was to prevent the spread of the revolution
- it provokes a fear that the revolution could be lost
what was released on the 11th july 1792
la patrie en danger
- pamphlet which claimed that france was in danger
- it called on the unity of the revolution to impose larger change and bring war success
(the brunswick manifesto echoed this and divided revolutionaries and support for the king)
consequences of 10th august journee / how did it lead to collapse of the CM
1000 sc and federes were killed
- nearly all of the 3000 swiss guards were killed
- assembly declare the king to be ‘temporarily suspended’
- paris commune remove the king to the temple prison - remove protections for king
- the assembly introduce a degree to end the passive and active citizen divide
- many guardsmen defect - lack of loyalty
- there becomes this over amplification of a republic and dislike for the king
- removal of any pro-monarchist sentiment
- deputies are forced to swear loyalty to liberty
when was the paris commune established and its evolution
in 1790 it was established
- it was initially elected with 144 delegates from active parisian citizens
- the commune had 48 sections within it
- it was initially a feuillant club which promoted a constitutional monarchy
- however, from late 1791, its membership shifted to being more left wing with girondins (and sc influence)
- it was replaced in 1792 with an insurrectionary commune full of jacobins, led by hebert
what did the new convention do in response to 10th august + radicalisation
(hint, 17th and 26th august and lafayette)
- danton sets up a committee of ministers to hold executive power
- on the 17th august, tribunal courts were established to persecute traitors
- on 26th august, refractory priests were forced to flee to guyana
- lafayette attempts to storm to paris to restore a constitution, but fails
- lafayette flees the country on the 19th august and defects to austrians, after being replaced by dourmouriez
- compensation to men of authority was cancelled
