War, revolt and overthrow of the monarchy 1792-1793 Flashcards
Who were Europe’s major powers?
- UK - not bothered by French revolution. Glad it weakens France
- France - in revolution
- Russia & Prussia - less interested in what is happening in France because they are in dispute over control of Poland
- Austria - worried about the position of the monarchy in France. Won’t take on France alone
What were the other monarchs in Europe worried about?
- They were increasingly worried by the events in France because they didn’t want a revolution to spread to their countries
How big of a threat were the major powers intervening in France?
- The threat of the major powers intervening in France was not that serious
Who were the supporters of war?
- Marie Antoinette
- Army commanders
- Brissotins
- The Assembly
Who were the opponents of war?
-Some politicians outside the Assembly including Robespierre
Why did Marie Antionette support war?
Hoped that France would lose so the King would have his old powers back
Why did the Army Commanders support war?
Lafayette and Dumouriez - wanted the authority of the King to be strengthened. A short successful war against Austria would increase his prestige as a general and enable him to dictate his own terms to both the King and the Assembly
Why did the Brissotins support war?
Wanted to show powers of the Revolution. Expose traitors, like the Royal Court - King, who opposed to the Revolution. They were also Republicans
Why did the Assembly support war?
Strengthen the Revolution
Why did some politicians outside the Assembly including Robespierre oppose war?
- Thinks they should be at war with their enemies in France, not elsewhere
- Argued that the real threat came from soldiers like Lafayette
- Believed that the aim of the European powers was to intimidate France not to invade
- This made him more unpopular as he was convinced that his opponents were plotting to betray the Revolution
Who were the key members of the Girondins?
Brissot and Roland
Who were the supporters of the Girondins?
- Their deputies were made up from the Bourgeoise, most of the newspapers in Paris favoured them and they enjoyed support from lots of the provinces outside of Paris
What were the Girondins beliefs?
- Republicans, hated privilege, against the church, wanted a more liberal economic policy with minimal state interference, favoured federalism over centralisation
How did France end up in war in April 1792?
- Within France the Girondins are pushing hard for a war
- Austrians and Prussians agree an alliance in February 1792. They are both confident about their chances in a war with France
- The growing threat from Austria forced Louis to appoint a more radical government made up of mostly Girondins
- In Austria, the Old Emperor Leopold 1 died. He was replaced by the younger and hot-headed Francis 2
- Rumours from France suggest Marie Antoinette is to be put on trial, Austria prepare for war
- On April 20th 1792, France declare war on Austria, Prussia join in June
What events led to the execution of Louis?
- Military Crisis
- Royal Vetoes
- The rise of the sans culottes
- The federes
- The Brunswick Manifesto