Topic 2- The Failure of Constitutional Monarchy
TIMELINE
1789
- June- Jacobins formed. Had 1200 members in Paris and 152 affiliated clubs across France
- Jul/August- The Great Fear- peasants break into manor houses and burn feudal contracts
after rumours that there was an aristocratic plot to orchestrate a peasant’s famine by burning
crops. Orgy of self sacrifice sparked by Duc d’Aguillon on August 4th- encouraged noblemen
to end feudalism on their lands.
- August Decrees to abolish feudalism- formalisation of the orgy of self sacrifice- Duc d’Aguillon
had forced their hand
- 2nd Nov- church land nationalised
- December- new voting laws introduced
1790- CCC
- Spring- Cordelier club founded
- August- Parlements replaced with Justices of the Peace, lettres de cachet abolished
- 27th November- refractory clergy refuse to take the oath required under the CCC
1791- Strikes and riots due to bad harvest, inflation and the overprinting of the assignat= rising bread
prices. Unrest was a cause and consequence of increasing radicalism in the clubs
- January- new system of taxation comes into effect. New taxes included: Contribution fonciere
(a land tax no one was exempt for + paid according to ability - Contribution mobiliere (tax on
moveable goods, e.g. grain) - The patente (tax on commercial profits)
- Spring- monarchy club dissolves
- June 21st- Flight to Varennes
- June 24th-30,000 protest for the dismissal of the King. 290 deputies abstain from the proposal
to suspend the King’s power
- Louis powers temporarily suspended until the new constitution came into force, in return for
his pledge to support the new constitution.
- July 17th 1791- Champ de Mars Massacre- 60 killed and 200 arrests made
- Under pressure from the CA, the Paris Commune declared martial law, allowing the civil
liberties of the Parisians to be suspended (freedom of press was curtailed - printing presses
shut down and radical journalists, e.g. Marat and Desmoulins, went into hiding and Danton
fled)
- July- Feuillants split off from the Jacobins
- August 27th- Declaration of Pillnitz
- August- abolition of lettres de cachet and parlements
- September- New Constitution written, elections elect Brissot to the Legislative Assembly (745
deputies elected- 264 Feuillant, 136 Jacobin/Girondins
1792
- April- War against Austria
- French invasion of the Netherlands is a disaster
- June 8th- law passed to station 20,000 National Guard from the provinces (known as federes)
in Paris
- June- Vetoes laws against deportation of refractory priests, seizing land of emigres and
emergency stationing of 20,000 National Guard (federes) in Paris.
- June 12th 1792- Dismissal of Girondin Ministers
- June 20th 1792- 1st journee/ invasion of the Tuileries with 8,000 sans culottes
, - July 11th- National emergency declared, veto powers revoked and approval of the federes
army
- July 25th 1792- Brunswick Manifesto signed
- Mayor of Paris, Jerome Petion, calls on the National Assembly to abolish the monarchy and
declare France a Republic
- Aug 10th 1792- 2nd invasion of the Tuileries in response to the Assembly’s refusal to depose
Louis. Sans culottes, supported by Danton and Hebert, took over a town hall and established
their own revolutionary commune. The next day, 30,000 sans culottes, federes and national
guard marched on the Tuileries. 600 Swiss Guard killed and the King fled to the Legislative
assembly, where he was arrested.
- September 20th 1792- Monarchy abolished, national convention meets for the first time
- December 10th- Louis’ trial begins
“The National Assembly’s reforms of the Catholic church changed the course of the French
Revolution” How far do you agree with this statement?
1. ECONOMIC COURSE (Nationalising c land= radicalised peasants, no welfare, assignat,
inflation)
Evidence-
2nd Nov 1789 nationalisation of church land
Analysis-
Economically benefited bourgeoise, harmed peasants as church provided welfare- felt economic
inequalities had not been addressed, contrary to the Dec of Rights of Man= more likely to diverge
from NA, turn to Jacobins and Enrages for more radical economic policy.
Evidence- Sale of biens nationaux created the assignat- bonds sold by the government to buy church
land.
Analysis- Victim of inflation= farmers did not want this volatile currency, hoarded food= shortages.
- Economic issues put pressure on Assembly to introduce radical economic reforms to appease
sans culottes- radicalised revolution, measured such a General Maximum in Sep 1793.
Counter/judgement
BUT arguably did not change direction of revolution as idea of selling church land was in line with
original ideals of revolution of abolishing corruption and privilege of church. Also some peasants
simply exchanged one landlord (church and nobility) for another (bourgeoise)
1. POLITICAL COURSE (CCC= Varennes, veto of refractory p deportations= 1st inv of
Tuileries)
Evidence- 1790 radical CCC contributed to King’s flight to Varennes
Analysis- Changed the course of the revolution as it made clear that constitutional monarchy was
unsustainable, the aims of the King and Assembly were so fundamentally reconcilable. Widened
ideological gulf and tensions between King and Assembly, contributing to the downfall of
Constitutional monarchy.
Evidence- Jun 1792 Louis’ veto of a law to deport refractory priests contributes to the 1st invasion of
the Tuileries by 8,000 sans culottes on June 20th 1792- an early undermining of his power.
Counter-
BUT this kind of absolutism from the King was not just due to religion- he also found other reforms too
radical, vetoed laws against seizing land of emigres and deploying NG troops to Paris as well.
, 2. SOCIAL COURSE- created divisions. (urban vs rural, juring vs non juring priests-
Vendee)
Evidence- CCC also created counter-revolutionary threat- too religiously radical for peasants in rural
areas, loyal to the Pope.
Analysis- Created enemies out of ordinary people loyal to the Pope- exposed a gulf between rural
peasants and urban sans culottes pushing for further dechristianisation.
Evidence- Also caused divides between juring and non juring priests- 7/83 Bishops took the oath, and
only 50% of parish priests. Apr 1792 law to deport refractory priests, but many stayed and stirred up
opposition e.g. violence in the Vendee in 1783- 80,000 rebels at its peak.
Counter-
However, some social religious reforms changed France in line with original ideals of the revolution-
toleration for Protestants in 1789, Jews in 1791.
To what extent was the reform of the legal system the most significant consequence of the
establishment of the National Assembly in 1789?
Criteria- “significant consequence”- change course of the revolution, controversial measures that
cause opposition, radicalise revolution, contribute to deteriorating relations between King and
Assembly, radical change from what went before.
Legal reform
- Abolition of Parlements in Aug 1790
- Letres de cachet also abolished in Aug 1790
- Both replaced with JPs. Country divided into 83 Departments- each would elect a JP.
- All citizens tried with the same type of trial- set precedent for the idea of equality in death=
later introduction of guillotine.
- Louis stripped of his legislative powers- right to initiate legislation
- Country divided into 83 departments- more fair and equal system
Religious reform (CCC, nationalisation)
Evidence- July 1790 CCC- put church under state control.
Analysis-
- Caused mass opposition (only 7/83 bishops took the oath)- created divide between juring and
non juring priests, divide between rural peasants (loyal to the Pope) and urban sans culottes
(pushing for further dechristianisation,)
- Scared the King, partially causing his flight to Varennes,
- Was a radical change from what came before (change in how bishops were appointed, who
they were loyal to. Caused a sudden counter-revolutionary threat from those who opposed it.
Evidence- Nov 2nd 1789 Nationalisation of church land and land from emigres- (biens nationaux)
Analysis- Bourgeoise became wealthier, BUT peasants felt ignored as their welfare had been taken
away (provided by the church)= turned to more radical groups for further change (Jacobins,
Cordeliers)
Evaluation and judgement
Most significant reform. Caused economic change (printing of the assignat to buy biens nationaux,
removal of welfare for peasants), deep divisions, caused the flight to Varennes (which changed the
political course of the revolution, and created deep divides within France that contributed to the
counter revolutionary threat and later, government by terror.
Economic reform (nationalisation, old tax system, assignat, mew taxes)
, Evidence- Nationalisation of church land Nov 1789= assignat created as bonds to buy biens
nationaux. Sale of 400 million livres worth of church land.
Analysis- Government overprinted them, became victim of inflation. Food shortages as farmers
unwilling to trade produce for this volatile paper currency. = riots and strikes in 1791
Evidence- Old taxes abolished- gabelle, taille, internal customs duties. All state monopolies gone by
the end of 1789.
Analysis- Shortfall between abolition of feudalism and the old tax system, and creation of a new one.
Evidence- New direct taxes- the patente, contribution mobiliere, and contribution fonciere (land tax)
Political reform (voting, constitution, Dec of Rights of man/august decrees )
Evidence- Dec 1789 new voting laws.
Analysis- Widest electorate in Europe with 70% of men being able to vote= has potential to radicalise
the revolution as the people can implement their views via the ballot box
Evidence- 1791 new Constitution established the National Assembly as a permanent body.
Analysis- Removal of absolutist powers from King such as the power to create legislation- radical
altering as it paved the way for a Republic .
Evidence- Aug 26th 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man- new constitution- freedom from arbitrary
arrest and imprisonment, equality of taxation.
Analysis- Total overhaul from old system, first time an ideological doctrine of equal and universal
rights had been established.
To what extent was France’s participation in the war entirely responsible for bringing about
the overthrow of the monarchy in August 1792?
Criteria- “bringing about the overthrow of monarchy”- stimulating radicalism, increasing support
for radicals, increasing distrust in monarchy, physical erosion of the King’s powers.
WAR (Brunswick/Pillnitz, bad start to war, Louis vetoes of war measures)
Evidence- July 25th 1792 Prussia issues the Brunswick manifesto- says that if they invade, they will
threaten anyone who harms the King.
Analysis- Louis signs it- makes him look like he is in league with the enemy, looks traitorous. Sparks
deep fears of invasion which will restore monarchy- threaten fundamental ideals of the Republic = 2nd
invasion of the Tuileries (link to actions of radicals) in response- 30,000 sans culottes, they establish a
revolutionary commune and arrest Louis, handing him over to the commune, 600 Swiss Guard Killed.
Evidence- Aug 1791- Declaration of Pillnitz- statement sent to France by Prussia and Holy Roman
Emperor saying they were willing to restore monarchical order in France by force if necessary.
Evidence- War begins badly- ill equipped army, deserting soldiers, mutiny (3000 by the end of 1791) -
Analysis- Heightened fear of counter revolutionaries as an extra threat to France- exacerbated
reaction when King vetoed laws against counter-revolutionaries due to fear of counter revolution
growing due to war
- e.g. June 1792 refuses to sanction 20,000 National Guards to Paris as an emergency
measure, refuses to sanction seizing of émigré land and deportation of refractory priests.
Counter/judgement
BUT war mostly exacerbated other factors e.g. fear of counter-revolution, distrust of Louis, actions of
Louis. Not significant on its own.
ACTIONS OF LOUIS (Brunswick, vetoes, Varennes, dismissals)
TIMELINE
1789
- June- Jacobins formed. Had 1200 members in Paris and 152 affiliated clubs across France
- Jul/August- The Great Fear- peasants break into manor houses and burn feudal contracts
after rumours that there was an aristocratic plot to orchestrate a peasant’s famine by burning
crops. Orgy of self sacrifice sparked by Duc d’Aguillon on August 4th- encouraged noblemen
to end feudalism on their lands.
- August Decrees to abolish feudalism- formalisation of the orgy of self sacrifice- Duc d’Aguillon
had forced their hand
- 2nd Nov- church land nationalised
- December- new voting laws introduced
1790- CCC
- Spring- Cordelier club founded
- August- Parlements replaced with Justices of the Peace, lettres de cachet abolished
- 27th November- refractory clergy refuse to take the oath required under the CCC
1791- Strikes and riots due to bad harvest, inflation and the overprinting of the assignat= rising bread
prices. Unrest was a cause and consequence of increasing radicalism in the clubs
- January- new system of taxation comes into effect. New taxes included: Contribution fonciere
(a land tax no one was exempt for + paid according to ability - Contribution mobiliere (tax on
moveable goods, e.g. grain) - The patente (tax on commercial profits)
- Spring- monarchy club dissolves
- June 21st- Flight to Varennes
- June 24th-30,000 protest for the dismissal of the King. 290 deputies abstain from the proposal
to suspend the King’s power
- Louis powers temporarily suspended until the new constitution came into force, in return for
his pledge to support the new constitution.
- July 17th 1791- Champ de Mars Massacre- 60 killed and 200 arrests made
- Under pressure from the CA, the Paris Commune declared martial law, allowing the civil
liberties of the Parisians to be suspended (freedom of press was curtailed - printing presses
shut down and radical journalists, e.g. Marat and Desmoulins, went into hiding and Danton
fled)
- July- Feuillants split off from the Jacobins
- August 27th- Declaration of Pillnitz
- August- abolition of lettres de cachet and parlements
- September- New Constitution written, elections elect Brissot to the Legislative Assembly (745
deputies elected- 264 Feuillant, 136 Jacobin/Girondins
1792
- April- War against Austria
- French invasion of the Netherlands is a disaster
- June 8th- law passed to station 20,000 National Guard from the provinces (known as federes)
in Paris
- June- Vetoes laws against deportation of refractory priests, seizing land of emigres and
emergency stationing of 20,000 National Guard (federes) in Paris.
- June 12th 1792- Dismissal of Girondin Ministers
- June 20th 1792- 1st journee/ invasion of the Tuileries with 8,000 sans culottes
, - July 11th- National emergency declared, veto powers revoked and approval of the federes
army
- July 25th 1792- Brunswick Manifesto signed
- Mayor of Paris, Jerome Petion, calls on the National Assembly to abolish the monarchy and
declare France a Republic
- Aug 10th 1792- 2nd invasion of the Tuileries in response to the Assembly’s refusal to depose
Louis. Sans culottes, supported by Danton and Hebert, took over a town hall and established
their own revolutionary commune. The next day, 30,000 sans culottes, federes and national
guard marched on the Tuileries. 600 Swiss Guard killed and the King fled to the Legislative
assembly, where he was arrested.
- September 20th 1792- Monarchy abolished, national convention meets for the first time
- December 10th- Louis’ trial begins
“The National Assembly’s reforms of the Catholic church changed the course of the French
Revolution” How far do you agree with this statement?
1. ECONOMIC COURSE (Nationalising c land= radicalised peasants, no welfare, assignat,
inflation)
Evidence-
2nd Nov 1789 nationalisation of church land
Analysis-
Economically benefited bourgeoise, harmed peasants as church provided welfare- felt economic
inequalities had not been addressed, contrary to the Dec of Rights of Man= more likely to diverge
from NA, turn to Jacobins and Enrages for more radical economic policy.
Evidence- Sale of biens nationaux created the assignat- bonds sold by the government to buy church
land.
Analysis- Victim of inflation= farmers did not want this volatile currency, hoarded food= shortages.
- Economic issues put pressure on Assembly to introduce radical economic reforms to appease
sans culottes- radicalised revolution, measured such a General Maximum in Sep 1793.
Counter/judgement
BUT arguably did not change direction of revolution as idea of selling church land was in line with
original ideals of revolution of abolishing corruption and privilege of church. Also some peasants
simply exchanged one landlord (church and nobility) for another (bourgeoise)
1. POLITICAL COURSE (CCC= Varennes, veto of refractory p deportations= 1st inv of
Tuileries)
Evidence- 1790 radical CCC contributed to King’s flight to Varennes
Analysis- Changed the course of the revolution as it made clear that constitutional monarchy was
unsustainable, the aims of the King and Assembly were so fundamentally reconcilable. Widened
ideological gulf and tensions between King and Assembly, contributing to the downfall of
Constitutional monarchy.
Evidence- Jun 1792 Louis’ veto of a law to deport refractory priests contributes to the 1st invasion of
the Tuileries by 8,000 sans culottes on June 20th 1792- an early undermining of his power.
Counter-
BUT this kind of absolutism from the King was not just due to religion- he also found other reforms too
radical, vetoed laws against seizing land of emigres and deploying NG troops to Paris as well.
, 2. SOCIAL COURSE- created divisions. (urban vs rural, juring vs non juring priests-
Vendee)
Evidence- CCC also created counter-revolutionary threat- too religiously radical for peasants in rural
areas, loyal to the Pope.
Analysis- Created enemies out of ordinary people loyal to the Pope- exposed a gulf between rural
peasants and urban sans culottes pushing for further dechristianisation.
Evidence- Also caused divides between juring and non juring priests- 7/83 Bishops took the oath, and
only 50% of parish priests. Apr 1792 law to deport refractory priests, but many stayed and stirred up
opposition e.g. violence in the Vendee in 1783- 80,000 rebels at its peak.
Counter-
However, some social religious reforms changed France in line with original ideals of the revolution-
toleration for Protestants in 1789, Jews in 1791.
To what extent was the reform of the legal system the most significant consequence of the
establishment of the National Assembly in 1789?
Criteria- “significant consequence”- change course of the revolution, controversial measures that
cause opposition, radicalise revolution, contribute to deteriorating relations between King and
Assembly, radical change from what went before.
Legal reform
- Abolition of Parlements in Aug 1790
- Letres de cachet also abolished in Aug 1790
- Both replaced with JPs. Country divided into 83 Departments- each would elect a JP.
- All citizens tried with the same type of trial- set precedent for the idea of equality in death=
later introduction of guillotine.
- Louis stripped of his legislative powers- right to initiate legislation
- Country divided into 83 departments- more fair and equal system
Religious reform (CCC, nationalisation)
Evidence- July 1790 CCC- put church under state control.
Analysis-
- Caused mass opposition (only 7/83 bishops took the oath)- created divide between juring and
non juring priests, divide between rural peasants (loyal to the Pope) and urban sans culottes
(pushing for further dechristianisation,)
- Scared the King, partially causing his flight to Varennes,
- Was a radical change from what came before (change in how bishops were appointed, who
they were loyal to. Caused a sudden counter-revolutionary threat from those who opposed it.
Evidence- Nov 2nd 1789 Nationalisation of church land and land from emigres- (biens nationaux)
Analysis- Bourgeoise became wealthier, BUT peasants felt ignored as their welfare had been taken
away (provided by the church)= turned to more radical groups for further change (Jacobins,
Cordeliers)
Evaluation and judgement
Most significant reform. Caused economic change (printing of the assignat to buy biens nationaux,
removal of welfare for peasants), deep divisions, caused the flight to Varennes (which changed the
political course of the revolution, and created deep divides within France that contributed to the
counter revolutionary threat and later, government by terror.
Economic reform (nationalisation, old tax system, assignat, mew taxes)
, Evidence- Nationalisation of church land Nov 1789= assignat created as bonds to buy biens
nationaux. Sale of 400 million livres worth of church land.
Analysis- Government overprinted them, became victim of inflation. Food shortages as farmers
unwilling to trade produce for this volatile paper currency. = riots and strikes in 1791
Evidence- Old taxes abolished- gabelle, taille, internal customs duties. All state monopolies gone by
the end of 1789.
Analysis- Shortfall between abolition of feudalism and the old tax system, and creation of a new one.
Evidence- New direct taxes- the patente, contribution mobiliere, and contribution fonciere (land tax)
Political reform (voting, constitution, Dec of Rights of man/august decrees )
Evidence- Dec 1789 new voting laws.
Analysis- Widest electorate in Europe with 70% of men being able to vote= has potential to radicalise
the revolution as the people can implement their views via the ballot box
Evidence- 1791 new Constitution established the National Assembly as a permanent body.
Analysis- Removal of absolutist powers from King such as the power to create legislation- radical
altering as it paved the way for a Republic .
Evidence- Aug 26th 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man- new constitution- freedom from arbitrary
arrest and imprisonment, equality of taxation.
Analysis- Total overhaul from old system, first time an ideological doctrine of equal and universal
rights had been established.
To what extent was France’s participation in the war entirely responsible for bringing about
the overthrow of the monarchy in August 1792?
Criteria- “bringing about the overthrow of monarchy”- stimulating radicalism, increasing support
for radicals, increasing distrust in monarchy, physical erosion of the King’s powers.
WAR (Brunswick/Pillnitz, bad start to war, Louis vetoes of war measures)
Evidence- July 25th 1792 Prussia issues the Brunswick manifesto- says that if they invade, they will
threaten anyone who harms the King.
Analysis- Louis signs it- makes him look like he is in league with the enemy, looks traitorous. Sparks
deep fears of invasion which will restore monarchy- threaten fundamental ideals of the Republic = 2nd
invasion of the Tuileries (link to actions of radicals) in response- 30,000 sans culottes, they establish a
revolutionary commune and arrest Louis, handing him over to the commune, 600 Swiss Guard Killed.
Evidence- Aug 1791- Declaration of Pillnitz- statement sent to France by Prussia and Holy Roman
Emperor saying they were willing to restore monarchical order in France by force if necessary.
Evidence- War begins badly- ill equipped army, deserting soldiers, mutiny (3000 by the end of 1791) -
Analysis- Heightened fear of counter revolutionaries as an extra threat to France- exacerbated
reaction when King vetoed laws against counter-revolutionaries due to fear of counter revolution
growing due to war
- e.g. June 1792 refuses to sanction 20,000 National Guards to Paris as an emergency
measure, refuses to sanction seizing of émigré land and deportation of refractory priests.
Counter/judgement
BUT war mostly exacerbated other factors e.g. fear of counter-revolution, distrust of Louis, actions of
Louis. Not significant on its own.
ACTIONS OF LOUIS (Brunswick, vetoes, Varennes, dismissals)
