Questions and Answers
When was the Declaration of Pillnitz?
August 1791
What was the Declaration of Pillnitz?
What was the significance of the Declaration of Pillnitz?
Major step towards war
What was the reality of the Declaration of Pillnitz?
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Why did the Declaration of Pillnitz harm the King's position?
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Who supported the possibility of war?
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Who opposed the possibility of war?
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Why did the Austrian Committee want war?
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Why did army commanders want war?
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Why did the Brisottins want war?
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Why did the Girondins want war?
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Why did Robespierre oppose the war?
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What gave Austria and Prussia hope of an easy victory?
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When did France declare war on Austria?
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When did Prussia join the war?
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What did the initial military engagements with the Austrians and Prussians show?
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What major issue weakened the French army?
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Why did the French armies retreat and what happened as a result of their retreat?
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What was Lafayette begging the Assembly to do by May?
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When was the Brunswick Manifesto?
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What was the Brunswick Manifesto?
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How did the Brunswick Manifesto impact public opinion towards Louis?
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How did the mayor of Paris respond to the Brunswick Manifesto?
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What did the refusal of the Assembly to depose the monarch after the Brunswick Manifesto convince many people?
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Study Notes
Declaration of Pillnitz
- Issued in August 1791 by Leopold of Austria and Frederick William II of Prussia.
- Aimed to restore Louis XVI to power, declaring his status was of interest to all European rulers.
- Threatened war if Louis was not reinstated, setting the stage for future conflicts.
Significance and Reality
- Marked a significant step towards war and presented a dilemma for Louis XVI on how to respond.
- Ultimately seen as a mere gesture; the National Assembly largely ignored it.
- Actual military action was unlikely without support from Britain and Russia.
Impact on Louis XVI's Position
- Weakened the King's standing as many perceived it as proof that he sought to undermine the revolution.
Supporters and Opponents of War
- Supporters included:
- Austrian committee
- Army commanders disillusioned with the Revolution.
- Brisottins and Girondins, seeking military action for various reasons.
- Opponents included Robespierre, who feared external war would jeopardize revolutionary gains.
Motivations for War
- Austrian Committee: Sought to restore Bourbon power and eliminate revolutionary forces, spearheaded by Marie Antoinette.
- Army Commanders: Aimed to enhance their authority and prestige through a quick military success.
- Brisottins: Wanted to consolidate revolutionary support and target counter-revolutionaries.
- Girondins: Favored the Revolution but opposed Jacobin dominance, advocating federalism.
Robespierre's Opposition
- Argued that internal threats should be prioritized over external conflicts and was skeptical of Lafayette's intentions.
European Context
- Austria and Prussia were emboldened by prior military successes and France's economic instability, hoping for a swift victory.
War Declarations
- France declared war on Austria on 20th April 1792, with Prussia joining in May 1792.
Military Preparedness
- Initial encounters revealed the French army's lack of preparedness, mainly due to the emigration of noble generals and poor organization.
Retreat and Consequences
- French army retreats in the Austrian Netherlands resulted in an open border vulnerable to invasion.
Public Sentiment and Political Moves
- Lafayette advocated for peace by May 1792, reflecting a growing desire for stability.
Brunswick Manifesto
- Issued on 25th July 1792 by the Austro-Prussian army commander, threatening severe consequences for opposition.
- Public response turned hostile towards Louis XVI as resentment towards foreign intervention grew.
Mayor of Paris's Response
- The mayor presented a petition to abolish the monarchy, highlighting the rising discontent.
Assembly's Stance
- The Assembly's refusal to depose the monarch post-Brunswick Manifesto spurred the belief that popular uprising was necessary for change.
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Description
This quiz covers key concepts related to the Declaration of Pillnitz, including the historical context, key figures involved, and the implications of the declaration in early revolutionary Europe. Test your knowledge on this significant event that influenced European politics.
