Part 3

1. The origins of the French Revolution, c1780-87

2. Short-term causes of the Revolution: from Assembly of Notables to Estates General, 1787-89
3. Developments 1789-92
4. Convention and Terror, 1792-94
5. Directory and First Consul - the fall of Robespierre to the rise of Napoleon, 1794-99

Paper 1: Depth Studies

1 The French Revolution, c. 1780-99
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 Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
❏ Analyse the changes brought by the following: (a) Constituent Assembly; and
(b)Legislative Assembly;
❏ Differentiate the roles played by the Sans Culottes, Girondins, and Jacobins in the
revolution; and
❏ Assess the reasons for and impact of French declaration of war against Austria
and Prussia.

Important Keywords

Constituent Assembly
Sans Culottes Legislative Assembly
Girondins coup
Jacobins National Convention
… stronger than all the armies of Napoleon.

- Lord Acton on the Declaration of the Rights of

Man

4
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Changes brought about by the Constituent Assembly (1789-91)

On July 9, 1789, the National Constituent Assembly, simply known as the Assembly, became the new governing
body of France. Originally, delegates from the Third Estate comprised the assembly and was later on joined by
representatives from the First and Second Estates, mostly composed of clergymen and nobles.

A number of special privileges among nobles New paper money called assignats
were abolished, including hereditary titles of was introduced. However, due to
prince, baron, and duke. continued financial crisis, it quickly
lost its value.
Under the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, the
local people got to elect churchmen who were
then paid by the state.
The most significant accomplishment of the
Most church estates were sold to bidders. Some Assembly was the abolition of feudalism,
low-cost land was sold to peasants, while the serfdom, and class privileges which were the
majority was bought by wealthy people. reasons behind peasant attacks against the
nobility.
 6
Changes brought about by the Constituent Assembly (1789-91)

On August 27, the National Assembly passed the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizens which
became a written document of Rousseau’s philosophy on natural rights - freedom and equality.

The Declaration of the Rights of Man states that...

“the representatives of the French people, constituted as a
National Assembly, believing that ignorance, forgetfulness or In September 1791,
contempt of the rights of man are the only causes of public the Legislative
misfortunes and of the corruption of governments, have Assembly replaced
resolved to set forth in a solemn declaration, the natural, the National
inalienable and sacred rights of man; in order that this Constituent
declaration being constantly before all members of the social Assembly. It lasted
body may always recall to them their rights and their duties; in until September 1792.
order that the acts of the legislative and executive powers being
constantly capable of comparison with the objects of all
political institutions may on that account be the most respected;
Depiction of the
in order that the demands of citizens being founded henceforth Legislative
on simple and incontestable principles may be always directed Assembly meeting
to the maintenance of the constitution and the happiness of all.”
 7
The flight to Varennes and its impact

In June 1791, the French royal family attempted to escape Paris, which became one of the turning points of the
French Revolution. This failed attempt of King Louis XVI in response to growing radicalism became known as the
Flight to Varennes.

Reasons behind Louis XVI’s escape

❏ As per the advice of honore
Mirabeau, the king should
relocate to Rouen to rally
support from the people
away from Paris.
❏ After the passage of the Civil
Constitution of the Clergy, Map showing the route of the French royal family’s escape
the king refused to attend any plan
mass officiated by a A personal favourite of Marie Antoinette, Axel von Fersen, a
constitutional priest as he Swedish diplomat and military leader, planned the escape plan of the
was a highly devoted French royals. According to the plan, the French royals would use
believer of the Vatican. false passports and travel in disguise as they passed the road to
Montmedy which was 200 miles away from Paris.
 8
The flight to Varennes and its impact

On June 20, 1791, the While passing Châlons, the king’s escape plan was exposed in Paris. In pursuit of
French royals proceeded the royal family, a contingent of the National Guard was sent out. As the news
with the plan but at least 90 spread in the city, rumours of foreign invasion and assistance of Lafayette and
minutes behind schedule Bailly spread and angered the people.
due to the following:
❏ Extended visit from Their failed escape brought ridicule to
As the royal
Marquis de Lafayette the French royals which triggered
entourage reached On June 21,
and Jean-sylvain propaganda against them. As a result,
Sainte the king was
Bailly; radical journalists in Paris insisted on
Menehould, a arrested at
❏ Marie Antoinette the abolition of the monarchy and
local postmaster Varennes and
wandered for several creation of a republic. They also
named Jean- dispatched
minutes in the streets insisted that the king should be tried of
Baptiste Drouet back to Paris
looking for her treason for breaking the constitution.
recognised the the following
carriage; The initial idea of a peaceful transition
king and raised morning.
❏ The king’s carriage to a constitutional monarchy collapsed.
the alarm.
fell near Châlons.
 9
The roles of the Sans Culottes, Girondins, and Jacobins

The Sans Culottes was one of the many groups that drove the French Revolution. They were
generally members of the lower middle class, including apprentices, craftsmen, shopkeepers, and
clerks. Given their numbers in Paris and provincial cities, the Sans Culottes were the strongest group
in Paris. Willing to commit violence, they gathered a massive street army.

The Sans Culottes specifically aimed to achieve justice and

equality. They demanded jobs and price fixing. Moreover, they
The term Sans
were significant figures in implementing Terror, which
Culottes literally
condemned numerous aristocrats. However, their freeing goal
means ‘without ’. A
of equality was immediately turned into a force of violence.
culottes was a form of
Most of them were responsible for the storming of the Bastille
high knee clothing
and murder of its governor. In October 1789, Sans Culottes
wore by members of
women participated in the marched on Versailles which
the wealthy class.
demanded the return of the royal family to Paris.
Sans Culottes in Paris took over the Tuileries palace in August
1792. On the same day, they also coerced the Legislative
Assembly to suspend the monarchy.

Illustration of Sans Culottes

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The roles of the Sans Culottes, Girondins, and Jacobins

In September 1792, Also called Brissotin, the Girondins was a group of republican politicians
they raided a number from the department of the Gironde of the Legislative Assembly. They
of prisons in Paris and were initially composed of lawyers, journalists, and intellectuals, later
murdered counter- joined by merchants and industrialists.
revolutionaries. Aside
from their clothing The Girondins were known believers of economic liberalism and social equality. Along
and violent acts, with the Jacobins, the Girondins was prominent in the Legislative Assembly. They
historians favoured the declaration of war against Austria which resulted in French defeat.
characterised Moreover, they pushed for the punishment of people responsible for the September
members of the San massacre which also failed. All the more, their dominant position in the Assembly totally
Culottes as class collapsed when many of them disagreed on the execution of Louis XVI in 1793. The
warriors and the Girondins’ monopoly of power soon diminished with influential leaders joining the
backbone of the Jacobins.
revolution.
Both Girondins and Jacobins fought in the French Revolution. Amidst their radical ideologies, the
Girondins were labelled conservatives, while the Jacobins were called republicans.
 11
The roles of the Sans Culottes, Girondins, and Jacobins

The Jacobins were radical revolutionaries who plotted the execution of King Louis XVI and
establishment of the French Republic. They were known as the initiators of Terror during the French
Revolution. The Jacobins believed that all powers and rights resided with the people. In contrast to
absolute monarchy, Jacobins proposed that the people were the true supervisors of their leaders.

Members of the Jacobins included delegates from the elite class, artisans, and Formally known as
tradesmen. Among them was leader, Maximilien Robespierre who infamously led the the Society of the
Reign of Terror. Friends of the
“every citizen has the right to cooperate in legislation, and hence to be elector or
eligible, without distinction of fortune.” - Robespierre, 1791
Constitution, the
Jacobin Club was
In 1792, the Jacobins stormed the Tuileries palace and seized the French royal family. In established in August
September of the same year, they led the abolition of monarchy and declaration of France 1789 and identified
as a Republic. with the ideas of
The Reign of Terror in 1793 was characterised by intense violence involving the egalitarianism.
execution of counter-revolutionaries through guillotine. Thousands of them were killed
without trial or died in jail. Members of the Jacobins lived with the motto “Live free or
die”.
 12
The Legislative Assembly (1791-92)

In October 1791, the Legislative Assembly replaced the National Constituent Assembly of France. Its members
were elected a month before which included deputies who had record in public service either at provincial or
municipal level. Many were new delegates were members of the Jacobin Club.

Power of King Louis XVI over the Assembly There were about 330 republican deputies, 165 constitutional
❏ Appointment of ministers monarchists, and 250 politically non aligned delegates.
❏ Power of suspensive veto

Given his power, the Legislative Assembly Jacques Brissot, leader of the Girondins once dominated the
faced challenges and problems. The king Legislative Assembly. The Girondins pushed for the
appointed ministers based on his alliances and declaration of war against Austria in 1792.
not on merit. Moreover, he used his veto power
to block legislation. As a result of numerous The Assembly also failed to solve the French economic crisis.
royal vetoes, public protests against the With an ineffective constitutional monarchy, the Legislative
monarch became uncontrollable. Assembly struggled to pass reforms. Moreover, their
involvement in external war worsened
their financial status.
 13
The declaration of war on Austria and Prussia and its impact

On April 20, 1792, highly influenced by the Girondins, the Legislative Assembly declared war against Austria. After
few weeks, Prussia joined Austria against France.
Reasons behind the preemptive declaration of war
❏ With foreign European monarchs in observance, France felt threatened by
possible foreign invasion in behalf of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette
(sister of Leopold II, the Holy Roman Emperor).
❏ The Girondins aimed to spread the spirit of revolution throughout Europe to
strengthen their own revolution.
❏ King Louis XVI hoped that by engaging in war, he’d gain personal popularity.

In July 1791, newly crowned Leopold II

In August 1791, the Padua Circular was instigated the Padua Circular addressed
followed by the joint Declaration of to ruling monarchs of Prussia, England,
Pillnitz between Leopold II and Spain, Russia, and Sweden, which stated
Frederick William II of Prussia. Such the need for military coalition to invade Painting showing the
an act did not shake the revolution in France and reinstall the monarchy. French victory at the
Battle at Valmy
France.
 14
The declaration of war on Austria and Prussia and its impact

Initially, the war against Known as an enlightened prince, Leopold II initially supported the
Austria and Prussia turned into French Revolution and had no real plans of invading France.
a disaster. The French armed
The Prussian defeat at Valmy in September 1792 led to territorial expansion of
forces had poor discipline. As
revolutionary France. In response, Britain sent its own army to Flanders in
a result, insubordination
1793, along with the Austrian and Dutch army, the War of the First Coalition
became an common problem
began.
in the ranks of the army. Many
Map showing the great
abandoned the military, while European powers in
others remained due to harsh 1792
punishments for leaving.
France’s declaration of war
against Austria and Prussia RUSSIA
ignited a series of wars
participated in by France GREAT BRITAIN
against other European PRUSSIA
powers. FRANCE AUSTRIA
Image of
Leopold in
1770
 15
The reasons for the coup of August 1792

Three years after the attack on the Bastille, the Tuileries Palace, the official residence of King Louis XVI and
meeting place of the Legislative Assembly was attacked on August 10, 1792.

Since the Parisian marched on Versailles in October 1789, The Tuileries Palace was located on the right
Louis XVI and his family resided at the Tuileries Palace. bank of the Seine and was not used as a royal
residence since Louis XIV.

Louis XVI lived at the Tuileries under house arrest. His royal court continued to operate both in Tuileries and
Versailles for the sake of upholding national prestige, but with less grandeur.

On February 28, about 400 nobles took In April, another working-class In November 1791, Louis XVI
arms to protect the king after hearing mob blocked the gates of the further angered the people when
rumours of assassination by the Sans Tuileries which prevented the he vetoed the Legislative
Culottes. The stand off between the two royal family from going to Assembly’s decrees on non-
groups was halted by interference of Saint-Cloud. juring priests.
Lafayette.
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The reasons for the coup of August 1792

The following On August 9, number of delegates A coalition of soldiers from the

month, a war took control of the Paris Commune. National Guards of Brittany and
manifesto was issued Leaders such as orator Georges Marseille, plus Sans Culottes
by the Duke of Danton and Jacobin Maximilien marched to the Tuileries.
Brunswick Robespierre led the crowd. The Paris
threatening the Commune was replaced by the
people to protect the Insurrectionary Commune.
royal family.

Condemning Louis In early August, rumours spread

XVI’s veto, an armed of an Austrian and Prussian
crowd attacked the attack to rescue the French royal
Tuileries in June family. Others thought about the
1792. king’s plan of escape to Rouen. Illustration depicting the encounter of
Swiss Guards and republican Guardsmen
at Tuileries
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The reasons for the coup of August 1792

On August 10, thousands of armed people arrived at Tuileries. Louis XVI took refuge in the Legislative Assembly
chamber and ordered the Swiss Guard to defend the palace. About two-thirds of the Swiss Guards were massacred
by Sans Culottes. Aside from the guards, palace staff and courtiers were also killed. After a month, survivors were
killed during the September massacres.

Reasons behind the coup

❏ The failure of the initial battle against Austria and
Prussia was blamed on the king, his ministers, and
the Girondins.
❏ Louis XVI’s formation of a new cabinet composed
of constitutional monarchists.
❏ King’s veto of several decrees of the Legislative
Assembly.
❏ Austrian and Prussian armies arrival in France.

Illustration showing the Tuileries Palace at the time of

the coup
 18
The setting up of the National Convention

On September 20, 1792, the National Convention which replaced the Legislative Assembly was formed. It was a
single-chamber assembly, which in the process fractured into factions - the Jacobin Club, whose members aspired
to establish a democratic republic.
The Convention was formed
after the storming of the In August 1792, the Assembly
Tuileries and suspension of the concluded that Frenchmen aged 21 and
monarchy. The Legislative above, and a resident for a year with a
Assembly took over decent job had the right to vote in the
governance and functioned as national elections for a new
the head of state. They gained legislature. The right to suffrage was
public support by replacing the not universal, it was denied to servants
ministers with more popular and women.
figures close to the people. In the first week of September 1792,
Amidst the reforms provided the elections for the new National
by the Assembly, divided Convention was conducted. About 749 Plaque depicting the declaration of the French
deputies with varied political Republic by the National Convention
deputies led to the demise of
the chamber. affiliations were elected to the
Convention.
 19
Glossary of terms

CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY SAN CULOTTES GIRONDINS

Also called Brissotin, the Girondins
The National Constituent The Sans Culottes was one of the was a group of republican politicians
many groups that drove the French from the department of the Gironde
Assembly, simply known as
Revolution. They were generally of the Legislative Assembly. They
the Assembly became the were initially composed of lawyers,
members of the lower middle-class,
new governing body of including apprentices, craftsmen, journalists, and intellectuals, later
France in 1789. shopkeepers, and clerks.
joined by merchants and
industrialists.

JACOBINS LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY NATIONAL CONVENTION

The Jacobins were radical In September 1791, the The National Convention
revolutionaries who plotted the Legislative Assembly replaced which replaced the Legislative
execution of King Louis XVI and
the National Constituent Assembly in 1792 was a single-
establishment of the French
Republic. They were known as the Assembly which lasted until chamber assembly, which in
initiator of Terror during the French September 1792. the process fractured into
Revolution. factions.
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Task #1

“The flight to Varennes opened up the second great schism

of the revolution. There had been hardly any republicanism
in 1789, and what there was had abated once the king was
back in Paris and accepting all the Assembly sent to him.
But after Varennes, the mistrust built up by his long record
of apparent ambivalence burst out into widespread
demands from the populace of the capital and a number of
radical publicists for the king to be dethroned.”
- Historian William Doyle

SOURCE A SOURCE B

Given the sources, discuss in-depth the impact of the flight to

Varennes on the French monarchy.
 21
Task #2

With the benefit of hindsight, Engels wrote in a To what extent do you

letter to Marx in 1870 that: agree with the statement
of Friedrich Engels?
These perpetual little panics of the Justify your answer.
French — which all arise from fear of the
moment when they will really have to
learn the truth — give one a much better
idea of the Reign of Terror. We think of
this as the reign of people who inspire
terror; on the contrary, it is the reign of
people who are themselves terrified.
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Task #3

Based on your analysis of the historical context, compare and contrast the
roles played by the given groups in the French Revolution.

SANS CULOTTES GIRONDINS JACOBINS

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Prepare for the next module by completing the tasks
Homework Time! provided.

Collect online images to produce a collage depicting the Reign of Terror in France. Moreover,
discuss the reasons for and impact of this event.

REIGN OF TERROR