How and why did France become a
republic by 1792?
Political groups Reforms Constitutional instability War Monarchy overthrown
Republic proclaimed
France, 1774–1814 • Unit 1.2
,1.2
Enquiry focus and learning outcomes
Knowledge Analysis Evidence Judgement
Explain revolutionary
Connect political division, Use precise dates, Assess why constitutional
groups, counter-revolution,
religious conflict, royal institutions, leaders, monarchy failed and why a
reforms, the 1791
behaviour, war and popular policies and contemporary republic emerged by
Constitution and the
pressure. sources. September 1792.
events of 1792.
02
,1.2
The central argument
Reform created division War destroyed monarchy
The Constituent Assembly modernised finance,
Varennes had already broken trust. Military
administration, justice and the Church. Yet
defeat, royal vetoes and foreign threats then
restricted citizenship and religious
made Louis appear allied with counter-revolution.
reorganisation split supporters of the
Popular force completed the collapse.
Revolution.
03
, 1.2
Five connected pressures
Political Religious Constitutional Popular
War and fear
competition division mistrust intervention
Sans-culottes and
Clubs and The Civil Defeat and invasion
The king’s veto and fédérés forced
newspapers created Constitution divided encouraged
Varennes weakened decisions that
rival programmes clergy, believers suspicion of
cooperation. assemblies
for the Revolution. and communities. treason.
hesitated to make.
04