French Revolution Events Leading to 1791 Constitution

2024-10-17

• Three key events leading up to the 1791 Constitution made its success less likely: the King's Flight to Varennes, the Champs de Mars massacre, and the Declaration of Pillnitz/Brunswick Manifesto.
• The first Legislative Assembly met on October 1, 1791, but only a quarter of active citizens participated in elections. A self-denying ordinance excluded experienced political leaders.
• King Louis' unwillingness to be a constitutional monarch was a key problem. The call for a republic grew louder. About 50,000 people gathered at the Champs de Mars.
• The National Guard fired on the crowd, killing about 50 people, marking a crucial break within the Third Estate.
• War with Austria was declared in April 1792.
• The 1791 Constitution gave Louis substantial power, but allowed him to flee France. Only active citizens could be National Guardsmen, which was questioned.
• Political instability was evident in the succession of different governments with varying constitutional rules.
• The National Assembly debated whether to replace religion with a “Cult.”

1791 Constitution (September 3, 1791)

• Louis XVI was granted significant power
• Only active citizens could be National Guardsmen.

Succession/National Symbols Assignment (Cult of the Supreme Being/Cult of Reason)

• a. The Cult of the Supreme Being (secular religion) was introduced by Robespierre in 1794.

  • It replaced the previous Cult of Reason (atheistic) and Catholicism.

• b. The Cult of the Supreme Being aimed to unify the French and establish social order through its moral code. Robespierre saw himself as an exemplar of virtue.

2024-10-21

• Argumentative essays need clear logic backed by evidence.
• Explain position while acknowledging the opposing view.
• Provide examples that are clearly verifiable and appropriate to the point.
• The declaration of the Rights of Women and the Female Citizen was considered too radical and outlawed.
• The Metric System in France uses a base ten system.
• The French flag, Tricolore, was created to represent the Estates system, with colors representing the Third, First, and Second Estate.
• Levee en masse, conscription, established standing armies in developed countries.
• La Marseillaise is the French national anthem, with songs being a key method of gathering mass support.
• Bastille Day celebrates the storming of the Bastille.
• The Guillotine was a prominent instrument of execution.

2024-10-23/2024-10-30

(Note: Information from multiple dates combined)

• Argumentative essays should use compelling logic and clear evidence.
• A series of claims is less effective than structured arguments.
• Writing should explain, exemplify, and reiterate claims to build a strong argument.
• Dictatorships may be necessary in times of great distress.
• Liberal democracies encourage innovation, compromise, and consensus.
• Liberal democracies allow the abuse of power to be less likely.

2024-11-04

• Jacobins favored the execution of Louis XVI, while Girondins favored his preservation.
• The National Convention was the next government following the Legislative Assembly's fall.
• The "Armoire de fer" (iron chest) documents suggested a conspiracy by Louis.
• Marat advocated a method of execution, called "appel nominal".
• Robespierre joined the Committee of Public Safety in July 1793.

2024-11-18

• Jacques Pierre Brissot was dedicated to republican ideas and advocated for the removal of Louis XVI but not his execution.
• Charlotte Corday assassinated Jean-Paul Marat.
• Olympe de Gouges and her work on women's rights are noted.
• Jacques-Louis David was a famous revolutionary painter.

2024-11-20

• The definition of genocide includes the intent to destroy a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group. The intent must be present.
• A two-week term for Presidents from the National Convention.
• Public Safety committee holds considerable power.
• The Reign of Terror occurred from 1793-1794, and ended with the execution of Robespierre.
• Girondins were accused of counter-revolutionary activities and were executed.
• The September Massacres occurred in 1792, killing large numbers of suspected enemies.

2024-11-25

• The National Convention had a unicameral legislature with an elected president but little power.
• The Committee of Public Safety controlled the government, and executed people thought to be opposition.

2024-12-02

• Thermidorians overthrew Robespierre.
• The Thermidorian Reaction ended the reign of terror.
• The White Terror (1795-1796) was marked by violence against perceived enemies of the revolution.
• The constitution of the year III was created to establish the Directory and a bicameral legislature.
• The Directory was a weakened republican government.

2024-12-11

(Note: Information from multiple dates combined)

• Executive branch of the Directory consisted of 5 Directors picked from the legislature.
• Similar systems of nominations to the US Presidential system and UN's General Secretary exist.
• Each Director served five-year terms.

2024-11-27/2024-12-27

(Note: Information from multiple dates combined)

• The progression of governments from absolute monarchy (Louis XVI) to constitutional monarchy to republic (through National Convention and directory) is evident.
• Napoleon is considered one of the world's first modern dictators.
• France experienced instability and violence during the revolution and subsequent governments.