How accurate is it to say that the measures introduced by the National Assembly, in the years 1789–91, reformed France? (AS 2016)

Question 1

1) measures introduced by the National Assembly, in the years 1789-91, reformed France

Answer 1

Feudal rights (1789-90) and the nobility (1790) were abolished, and the principle of democracy was introduced at all levels by the extension of the voting rights (to ‘active citizens’), then the widest franchise in Europe

Question 2

2) measures introduced by the National Assembly, in the years 1789-91, reformed France

Answer 2

The tax system was reformed (via the abolition of most indirect taxation, the removal of exemptions and the introduction of three new direct taxes), making it in overall terms more just

Question 3

3) measures introduced by the National Assembly, in the years 1789-91, reformed France

Answer 3

A single, more enlightened legal system was created (free, fair and available to all with a jury system) which abolished torture, hanging and branding, and reduced the number of crimes punishable by death

Question 4

4) measures introduced by the National Assembly, in the years 1789-91, reformed France

Answer 4

Some of the abuses in, and privileges of, the Church were removed (e.g. tithes were abolished, pluralism forbidden and Protestants/Jews were granted civil rights) and the Church was made subservient to the State.

Question 5

1) measures introduced by the National Assembly, in the years 1789-91, did not reform France

Answer 5

In practice, democracy was restricted and indirect which meant that only 61 per cent of men and no women could participate in the first stage of elections and far fewer males could vote at the second stage.

Question 6

2) measures introduced by the National Assembly, in the years 1789-91, did not reform France

Answer 6

Some measures perpetuated social divisions, e.g. the distinction made between ‘passive’ and ‘active’ citizens, and the banning of trade unions and strikes only benefited the affluent bourgeoisie

Question 7

3) measures introduced by the National Assembly, in the years 1789-91, did not reform France

Answer 7

The reforming potential of the constitutional monarchy was undermined by the unreliability of Louis XVI, e.g. the flight to Varennes (1791)

Question 8

4) measures introduced by the National Assembly, in the years 1789-91, did not reform France

Answer 8

The National Assembly viewed poor relief as a state responsibility but lacked the financial resources to introduce any meaningful reform in this area.