Flight to Varennes Flashcards
Flight from Paris
20 June 1791
Louis captured at Varennes
21 June 1791
Causes of the Flight (3)
1) Civil Constitution of the Clergy and the Papal Bull Charitas contradicted his faith
2) He believed he was being held captive by his own people
3) He wanted an end to the increasing anti-clericalism of the revolution
Consequences of the Flight
1) Demonstrated Louis’ true feelings for the revolution
2) Increased revolutionary in-fighting between political clubs
Richet - Consequences
By fleeing, one king had renounced his sovereignty, while another king, the people, grimly looked on
Tackett - Significance
would prove a turning point in the history of the Revolution and of the French monarchy
Tackett - Role of the King
the King greatly contributed to the destabilisation of the state…For a great many people the shock was brutal…They experienced a profound sense of desertion and betrayal