The Crisis of the Old Regime in France PDF

# The Crisis of the Old Regime in France - A power in absolute paralysis, unable to carry out any reform - Throughout the 18th century, France was one of the main driving forces of the European economy. - Its dominance was undermined by three main internal problems: poverty, the need for a new kin...

# The Crisis of the Old Regime in France - A power in absolute paralysis, unable to carry out any reform - Throughout the 18th century, France was one of the main driving forces of the European economy. - Its dominance was undermined by three main internal problems: poverty, the need for a new kind of politics, and lack of innovation in the realm of science and technology. - In the second half of the century, the French monarchy tried to restore its own power and status, but the result was a loss of trust from nobility and people. - The bourgeoisie was increasingly excluded from political power and burdened with taxes. - It was increasingly difficult to maintain stability and the power of the Bourbons was put to test. - After the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), the situation in France got worse, and the public debt increased. - As a result of failed political reforms, France endured poverty, corruption and an overall lack of economic effectiveness. ## Towards Monarchy Authority - The French monarchy, at the end of the 18th century, was not in a position to make any real change: It was in a “prison” resulting from the balance of power with the aristocracy. - The main features of the political system were a highly structured hierarchy and a complex system of administration, led by the king. - Within this system, the aristocracy played a major part. - The king was in a position of absolute power, and he kept a close eye on the functioning of various political parties and social groups. - The monarchy was responsible for maintaining social order, providing for the common good and guaranteeing the protection of citizens. - The French nobility, in particular, was resistant to any changes and was committed to its privileges and power, and held control over the army and court. - During the 18th century, the monarchy tried to regain its authority through reforms, but it resulted in a loss of trust from nobility and people. ## The Attempt to Escape of the King and the Approval of the Constitution - In the spring of 1791, the work of the Constituent Assembly was close to being completed. - The attitude of the King towards the suggestions proposed by the deputies remained ambivalent. - Had he really been willing to sign the Constitution? - Some thought that he was actually planning a coup, gathering an army with the help of foreign powers. - It is important to note the presence of Austria, where Mary Antoinette's brother was ruling. - It was the home of many aristocrats who preferred to live abroad in exile. The French Revolution was not something they accepted or were willing to live with. - In the eyes of the revolutionaries, the suspicions were confirmed on the night of June 21, 1791, when Louis XVI and his family attempted to escape, with fake papers, to the Austrian Netherlands. - The King, however, failed to achieve his goal. He was intercepted near the border by the local authorities and arrested at Varennes, a town situated a few kilometers away from the border. This incident damaged the image of the monarchy, which was already viewed with growing suspicion. - With the establishment of the new Constitution, the Assembly was dissolved and a new legislative body was elected by the people. - The new body of deputies was supposed to continue and develop the work of the previous Assembly. - The representatives were divided into what we can identify as "right" and "left." The right or moderate faction favored the constitutional monarchy and believed in a more gradual approach to change. - The left faction, on the other hand, known as the "radical" faction, actively supported the establishment of a republic and advocated for immediate action to establish social justice and equality of rights. - On September 3, 1791, the new Constitution came into force. It was intended to establish a constitutional monarchy in France, and also to strengthen the position of the monarchy. However, the people were still dissatisfied with the monarchy. - The new constitution was based on the principles of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. The Assembly was divided into three Chambers, the legislative assembly, the executive, and the judicial, with separation of powers and limitations of the absolute authority of the king. - In autumn 1791, after it fulfilled its duty, the Constituent Assembly was dissolved. Its place was taken by the Legislative Assembly, which was elected by a new electoral system created in the wake of the new constitution. ## The Events of Autumn 1791 - The deputies in the legislative Assembly were divided into three factions: the Feuillant, the Girondin, and the Jacobin. - The Feuillants were conservative and promoted moderation and the preservation of the old system, while the Girondin argued for a more radical republic and a rapid transition to a more egalitarian social order. The Jacobins, on the other hand, favored the establishment of a republic based on social justice and were willing to use force to achieve their goals. - In 1792, King Louis XVI signed the Declaration of War, declaring war against Austria and Prussia. This declaration was met with mixed reactions: a faction was in favor of the declaration because they could see its effect on the economy and on the national strength, while others felt it was a risky move and should be avoided. - Some historians argue that the king’s decision to go to war was prompted by a strategic calculation on his part. He was attempting to secure a war victory to restore public confidence in his rule. ## The Ambiguity of the King and the Uprising of the Sans-culottes - The situation in France in the aftermath of the declaration of war against Austria and Prussia remained uncertain. This conflict only further divided the nation and increased the tensions between the people and the monarchy. - The war proved to be a costly affair for France, with a shortage of weapons and supplies and an unpopular government. - Further unrest, fueled by political discontent, social inequalities, and economic hardship, resulted in a series of uprisings. The lower classes, known as the *Sans-culottes*, were particularly active and mobilized for the revolution. - The *Sans-culottes*, a group of working-class Parisians, were a major force to be reckoned with due to their support for the Revolution and the fact that it was them who were pushing for more radical solutions. - Their demands, including higher wages and lower bread prices, were driven by deep resentment toward the monarchy and the wealthy. ## The Year 1792: the Turnaround in France - 1792 was marked by a series of events that significantly changed the political landscape of France, creating a climate of profound change. - With the declaration of war came a call for volunteers to fight for the Republic. - The people were united in their desire for a better future, and their courage and determination proved to be a major force in the revolution. They were eager to fight for their beliefs and to bring down the monarchy. - The enthusiasm of the new generation contributed to the success of the revolution. They felt a patriotic responsibility to defend the nation and to establish a new social order. - The year 1792 was the year of the Revolution. The king’s authority continued to weaken, and the people’s desire for a new political order grew even stronger.