Quiz 3: National Assembly and 1791 Political Situation (PDF)

Quiz 3 Pages 1-24: National Assembly and the political situation in Paris in July 1791: Historical Context: France is nearing the second anniversary of the Fall of the Bastille, and the monarchy's unchecked power has ended. The National Assembly in Paris is debating a ne...

Quiz 3 Pages 1-24: National Assembly and the political situation in Paris in July 1791: Historical Context: France is nearing the second anniversary of the Fall of the Bastille, and the monarchy's unchecked power has ended. The National Assembly in Paris is debating a new constitution. Factions in the Assembly: ○ Jacobins: Radicals aiming for a republic. ○ Conservatives: Seek to retain the influence of traditional institutions like the monarchy and Catholic Church. ○ Feuillants: Moderate faction advocating a constitutional monarchy with combined elements of both Jacobin and conservative views. ○ Uncommitted Delegates: Some delegates are undecided and aim to serve France’s best interest. Key Issues: ○ Nationalizing the Catholic Church ○ The king’s veto power over legislation ○ Establishing rights like freedom of speech and private property protection. Social Influence: ○ Sans-culottes: Parisian poor who influence Assembly proceedings through vocal support or protests. ○ Leaders from Paris's 48 sections represent popular views, often radical, in the Assembly and the streets. Intellectual Background: ○ Ideas of Enlightenment philosophers, especially Rousseau (selfless political unions) and Burke (gradual political evolution). ○ Enlightenment’s values of reason, science, and opposition to outdated beliefs underpin debates. Challenges for the Assembly: ○ Addressing governmental breakdown, including the tax system and financial deficit. ○ Managing the Saint-Domingue slave rebellion. ○ Dealing with resistance from the Catholic Church and the threat of European monarchies. ○ Frequent riots in Paris add further tension. Role-Playing Element: Students play roles as Assembly members or other figures, making decisions not bound strictly to history but influenced by factional objectives and philosophical texts. Prologue Scene: The reader imagines preparing to speak at the Assembly amid a heated debate. Characters like Buzot, Cazalès, Hérault, and Saint-Just represent different viewpoints on the monarchy, creating a charged atmosphere with arguments over loyalty to the king and revolutionary ideals. prologue scene of A Night at the National Assembly: Date: July 1, 1791, approaching the second anniversary of the Fall of the Bastille. Setting: National Assembly of France in Paris; hot and tense atmosphere. Narrator's Feelings: Nervous and self-conscious about appearance; reflects on past ridicule for wanting to speak. Key Character: Abbé Maury, a polished speaker, highlights the narrator's insecurity. Political Climate: Factional debates (Jacobins, conservatives, Feuillants) about the king's power; emotions run high. Crowd Dynamics: Chaotic and passionate, with interruptions and loud reactions. Narrator's Internal Conflict: Anxiety about public speaking; resolves to speak truthfully despite fears. Opening Line: Starts speech with “Citizens!” to engage the audience. Themes: Personal insecurity, appearance in politics, chaotic revolutionary spirit, importance of collective action. Pages 24-32: Overview: Reacting to the Past is a series of interactive historical role-playing games set during moments of heightened tension in history. Students assume the roles of historical figures, learning through immersive participation rather than traditional lectures. Game Objectives: Each student reads the game book and their individual role sheets to discover: ○ Their character’s background and ideology. ○ Specific objectives to achieve during the game. ○ Potential allies and opposition. Students engage in various forms of communication to pursue victory, including: ○ Formal speeches to articulate their positions. ○ Informal debates for discussion and persuasion. ○ Negotiations for alliance-building. ○ Occasionally, conspiratorial actions to undermine opponents. Game Setup: The instructor provides foundational historical context before the game begins. Materials include:  ○ Game Book: Contains essential historical information, rules, and significant documents relevant to the game. ○ Role Sheet: Details the historical figure being portrayed, including their biography, ideology, goals, and resources. ○ Supplementary Readings: Students may need to read additional historical documents to enhance their understanding. Importance of re-reading materials throughout the game, as perspectives shift when viewed through the lens of one’s character. Game Play: Class sessions are led by students, with one acting as the presiding officer. The instructor becomes the Gamemaster (GM), who oversees the game from a back position without direct leadership. The GM’s roles include: ○ Announcing significant events (e.g., a foreign invasion). ○ Passing notes to players. ○ Redirecting discussions that stray off course. The “Podium Rule” allows students to approach the podium to speak even if not formally recognized, ensuring all voices can be heard. Role Dynamics: Role sheets contain private information that students should keep confidential, but communication is still necessary for achieving objectives. Building alliances is critical; students must engage with both allies and potential adversaries. Some games may introduce factions, which are organized groups with unified goals, while Indeterminates may operate independently, offering strategic support. Game Requirements: Reading and Writing: Students are expected to engage with texts meaningfully. Written assignments can include: ○ Policy statements advocating specific actions. ○ Personal narratives or autobiographies from their character’s perspective. ○ Strategic plans or reports relevant to their roles. Public Speaking and Debate: Students must be prepared to deliver formal speeches. Important aspects include: ○ The expectation that speeches should sound formal (e.g., starting with “Fellow citizens!” rather than informal greetings). ○ Debates can be spontaneous, requiring quick thinking and adaptability. Strategizing: Regular communication is essential, often occurring through emails, texts, and informal meetings to discuss plans and form coalitions.  ○ Students must remain in character during discussions, and if they want to refer to real-world issues, they should clarify this. Counterfactuals: The game stipulates that the National Assembly will not dissolve as it did in history; it will continue to function throughout the game. Time in the game may pass more quickly than in real life, with the potential for significant historical events occurring that differ from actual history. Players are not bound by historical actions after July 1, 1791, allowing for alternative outcomes to emerge based on player decisions. Historical context outside of France will generally follow real events, ensuring some historical grounding while allowing for creative divergence within the game. Pages 32-41: Historical timeline: 1787: ○ Feb 22: First Assembly of Notables convened to address fiscal issues; rejects raising taxes as a solution. ○ Nov 19: Edict of Toleration grants limited rights to Protestants. 1788: ○ July-Sept: Poor harvests cause food shortages, worsening economic distress. ○ Aug 8: King Louis XVI calls the Estates General for May 1, 1789, aiming to address France’s financial crisis. 1789: ○ Jan: Abbé Sieyès publishes “What Is the Third Estate?” questioning the political power of commoners. ○ Apr 27–28: Réveillon riots in Paris over low wages and food scarcity; suppressed by military intervention. ○ May 5: Estates General opens but is deadlocked over voting procedures; the Third Estate demands representation by headcount. ○ June 12–19: Third Estate deputies proclaim themselves the National Assembly; some clergy and nobles join. ○ June 20: Locked out of their meeting hall, Assembly members take the Tennis Court Oath, pledging to draft a constitution. ○ June 27: King orders all Estates to join the Assembly, forming the Constituent Assembly. ○ July 11–14: Necker’s dismissal and mercenary deployment escalate unrest, leading to the Storming of the Bastille as crowds seek arms. ○ July-Aug: Great Fear spreads; peasants riot against feudal landlords and rumors of aristocratic plots.  ○ Aug 4: Feudal privileges renounced in the Assembly, abolishing feudal rights and noble exemptions. ○ Aug 26: Assembly adopts the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, emphasizing rights and equality. ○ Sept 10–11: Assembly rejects a British-style bicameral legislature, granting the king a limited veto instead. ○ Oct 5–6: Parisian women march to Versailles, demanding bread; the king agrees to move to Paris under pressure from crowds. 1790: ○ Jan 20: Guillotin proposes a humane execution device, later known as the guillotine. ○ July 12: Civil Constitution of the Clergy restructures Church authority, making clergy civil servants. ○ July 14: First anniversary of the Bastille celebrated; King swears loyalty to the ongoing constitutional process. ○ Sept 4: Necker resigns after failing to stabilize finances. ○ Nov 27: Assembly mandates an oath of loyalty to the nation and constitution for public officials and clergy. 1791 (up to July 1): ○ Jan 3: Priests refusing the Civil Oath are barred from ministry, deepening Church-state tensions. ○ Mar 10 & Apr 13: Pope formally condemns the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, sparking a rift. ○ May 15: Free blacks in French colonies granted civic equality; colonial policy debate intensifies. ○ June 14: Le Chapelier Law bans workers’ associations and strikes. ○ June 20-25: Royal family’s escape attempt fails at Varennes; they are recognized, detained, and escorted back to Paris, heightening distrust toward the monarchy. Page 41 - THE FRENCH REVOLUTION FROM THE ANCIEN RÉGIME TO JULY 1, 1791 France at the end of the 18th century: Called it a revolution bc the country did full circle, returning to beginning of 18th century ideas Liberal men argued that monarchy overreached itself and taken away many natural rights of property and status – that should be restored to men ○ Only after upheavals began, they coined it a revolution ○ Only then ppl with previously no rights got rights extended to them  Revolution largely swayed by enlightenment philosophy – rev started moderate then got extreme Revolution was in response to discussions ab the economic crisis w a gov on verge of bankruptcy and inability to raise new taxes – and how personal liberties play into this ○ Financial crisis as a result of helping US in rev war against britain and nonstop battles for prestige/influence in Europe (starting w King Louis XIV who increased size of military which is expensive) Inadequate banking system made this debt hard to fix Tax system was not uniform/efficient – taxed poor ppl who couldn't pay more than rich Louis XVI tried to make rich pay more but rich resisted w enlightenment philosophy, insisting on power-sharing Men in power argued AGAINST divine right absolutist idea of king (unlimited gov power w religious justifications) ○ And against king louis bitchy wife maria antoinette Louis XVI pled w nobles about taxation bc the country otherwise would go bankrupt w/o his reforms – nobles said he should ask Estates General for advice ab nation (legislature) as they expected elites to control the meeting and win power Debt and political crisis were connected Political/Economic crisis Harvest failed in 1788, then flooding → bread prices rose ○ Threatening poor ppl starvation Couldn't compete w industrialized britain So many people unemployed and starving In response to these issues, middle class asked to have a say in reform (bourgeoisie) Bourgeoisie stance Complained ab tax system, education access, political representation, feudalism ○ Hated feudalism and how church/nobility had preference and common people had to serve Had arguments based on rousseau and locke – social contract for good representation Louis XVI asked for cahiers (book w suggested reform from each province) and a meeting, denoting chance for political change Third Estate (order of commoners) Hoped political change meant chance for them to have more power Had extra hope bc for first time, # of elected leaders from each estate was uneven ○ Third estate had double representation than first/second estates (bc they were majority of population) Opening of Estates General showed there was little room for change  ○ At meeting, other estates wore fancy clothes and 3rd estate wore black and sat in corners of room – little say Each estate had 1 vote, so if 1st and 2nd voted tg, 3rd estate would lose on reform vote ○ 3rd estate resisted by refusing to verify their credentials to show status ○ Other estates not willing to speak w commoners, had estates meet separately Discussions during stalemate persuaded liberal nobility and clergy to sympathize w 3rd estate and make common cause w them (as their lack of power demonstrated king absolutism as taking away their power ensured he kept his power) June 12, 1789 Abbe Sieves helped guide commoners to call themselves only true reps of france Allowed admission to other estate members who wished to join 3rd estate meetings ○ Soon many asked for admission to their meetings (3 first estate priests joined) These meetings and the group that formed from this → “National Assembly” ○ Followed logic of Sieves that claimed third estate was most significant portion of nation and king had NO right to dismiss them or override them On June 19 → majority of 1st estate clergy joined national assembly National assembly started to decide constitutional questions ○ King either could accept this new arrangement or break national assembly up ○ Kings brother advised king to dismiss all liberal ministers (including Jacques Necker, finance minister that liked enlightenment thought) Necker tried to pass mini reforms (that were blocked) and increased third estate representation in estate general to be proportional to population ○ Other court members wanted installation of ministers who would reinforce hierarchy On June 20 → deputies of National Assembly found their meeting rooms locked ○ Third estate assumed king took brothers advice ○ Moved to a nearby tennis court where they made tennis court oath to not disband until they created constitution for France Led by Jean Joseph Mounier (sec of assembly) and Jean Sylvain Bailly (pres of assembly) On June 23 → King Louis XVI assembled deputies to remind them of fiscal crisis instead of their focus on social order (emphasized feudal rights and hierarchy) ○ Necker did not show up to meeting → thought Louis sent him away Demanded that deputies separate back into diff estates, Bailly refuse saying that assembly was still in session and couldn’t adjourn, Honoré Mirabeau also refused ○ Louis wouldn’t use force so he let them be Rebellion in Paris and Fall of Bastille After hearing of Versailles situation, Paris erupted Took Necker’s absence of his firing and Louis’ opposition to reform ○ Parisians protests to demand Necker reinstatement → Louis asked him back after he resigned in protest  End of June: Louis accepted fate and ordered all estates to meet as one body: the National Constituent Assembly (national assembly) and removed hierarchy Louis hated this, listened to conservative members of court to send swiss/german paid soldiers to Paris and Versailles to assert military force to dissolve national assembly ○ Knew french guard would balk at this order so they had to use other soldiers Assembly sent delegation to Louis objecting to the troops, Louis don't care, claimed troops were there to quell disorder ○ Said assembly should meet farther from paris to be safe Trying to get assembly to move away from their mass of supporters Lafayette proposed a Declaration of Rights draft (based on dec of ind.) July 11 → King refired Necker and formed new ministry opposed to reform ○ Paris erupted in opposition July 12 → Camille Desmoulins journalist jumped on table in crowd at Palais-Royal and gave news that Necker was exiled & troops were called so self-defense was necessary ○ Crowd grew as citizens looked for guns and gunpowder to defend themselves Bastille= primary target for demonstrations as it was state prison for state political opponents (but at the time, most cells were empty), was center for police activity ○ All this in mind, citizens assumed it would have many weapons inside ○ Gates opened AFTER someone fired gun into crowd, killing many attackers ○ Mobs cut off heads, paraded around city, killed royalist sympathizers To prevent further bloodshed, Louis gave way ○ July 15 → told assembly hed withdraw all troops ○ Assembly, happy, sent deputation to city of Paris ○ King reinstated Necker as finance minister Bailly → mayor of paris, Lafayette → first commander of Paris militia/national guard All royalists fled the country so they could continue to oppose the revolution Louis accommodated revolution in Paris bc of unwillingness to use troops to put down rebellion … but violence still continued ○ Paris plagued by mobs and rumors of nobles retaliation ○ Ppl thought old order would come back even as new order was creating constitution Revolution spreads Peasants worried about retaliation of nobles Peasants took action, taking advantage of new ideas ab equality ○ Took action to prevent bad things ○ Burned and attacked manor houses and tax rolls (erasing their debts) Town artisans heard ab paris upheaval and also started to rebel against old regime This panic was called the “Great Fear” - fear of aristocracy plot to retaliate (burn crops) Challenges for the National Assembly Debt and Disorder: The Assembly aimed to create a constitution but struggled to address the immediate crises of national debt and social unrest.  Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen: Issued in August as part of their effort to address calls for reform and address the grievances of the populace. Financial Crises and the Need for Popular Reforms Debt Crisis: To keep France solvent, the Assembly approved further loans, despite the imminent risk of bankruptcy. The pressing issue of tax reform took a backseat as reorganization and the threat of popular violence grew. Government on the Brink: With financial crises escalating, the government was barely able to manage the situation, teetering on the edge of economic collapse. Committee Report on the "Great Fear" Committee Investigation: On August 4, a committee presented findings on the causes of the “Great Fear,” noting that much of the rural violence bordered on outright terrorism, with widespread attacks on estates and wealthy merchants. ○ Recommendation for Force: The committee suggested that provincial authorities should use force to protect property and suppress attacks by rural rebels. Noble Opposition to Force: Some liberal nobles in the Assembly opposed using force, warning that it could lead to civil war. They argued that the uprisings were a physical manifestation of longstanding grievances from oppressed groups. Arguments for Reform over Repression Abolition of Feudal Privileges: Nobles proposed that rather than using force, the Assembly should address the root causes by abolishing feudal obligations and privileges. ○ Equal Treatment: They advocated for equal treatment before the law, the end of involuntary labor, and the cessation of privileges for the Second Estate. Attack on Feudal Structure: To address grievances, they argued for dismantling the ideological and legal foundations of feudalism, insisting on the equal civil status of all citizens. ○ Abolition of Special Taxes: Their suggestions included eliminating feudal taxes and exemptions from taxes that benefited the nobility. Eventually, parish clergy supported this push for reform, advocating the end of feudal obligations. Abolition of Feudal Privileges and Church Reform Abolition of Feudal Privileges: By August, the Assembly abolished feudal privileges, including tax exemptions and the right to hold multiple church positions. Church Reform: Parish clergy advocated ending feudal privileges within the Church. This reform led to intense debates about the Catholic Church's reorganization.  ○ Church Tithe Controversy: Some clergy opposed abolishing the Church tithe (tax), but others, like Deputy François Buzot, argued that church property belonged to the nation. ○ Radical Responses: Many revolutionary delegates saw little difference between Church and privilege, insisting that feudalism and religious privileges must be dismantled. August Decrees and Administrative Reforms August 11 - Passage of August Decrees: Formally abolished feudalism, dismantling the Ancien Régime’s privileges and setting the stage for widespread administrative and church reforms. Administrative Reorganization: France was divided into 83 departments to replace the previous provincial divisions, with a more centralized structure for consistency in tax and legal matters. Drafting a Constitution and the Declaration of Rights Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen: Adopted on August 26, this document, heavily influenced by Rousseau, reinforced individual rights, sovereignty, and equality, opposing the Ancien Régime’s hierarchical structure. Citizens’ Contributions: In response to financial crises, citizens, including women and artists, donated their wealth to support the government, demonstrating a shared national commitment. Internal Debates on Constitution Implementation Debate Over Declaration vs. Constitution: Assembly members debated whether the Declaration should be issued before the Constitution to clarify the Revolution’s principles, such as universal rights and civic duties. Bicameral vs. Unicameral Legislature: Some, like Mounier, favored a bicameral system to balance power, while figures like Sieyès and Lafayette argued for a unicameral body representing the people directly. Role of the Monarchy Suspensive Veto: Instead of granting Louis XVI an absolute veto, the Assembly allowed him a suspensive veto, meaning he could delay legislation but not permanently prevent it if the Assembly reapproved it. —------------ Rebellion of Market Women & King’s Return King's Stalling:  The king delayed approving the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen and even brought in foreign troops, raising suspicions of his loyalty to revolutionary principles. The National Assembly, concerned with his hesitance, sent a delegation on October 1 to urge him to approve the Declaration. Royal Banquet Incident: On the night of October 1, a banquet at Versailles, where the royal family interacted warmly with the troops, sparked public outrage in Paris. Royal officers symbolically trampled the tricolor cockade, perceived as anti-revolutionary behavior, which worsened tensions. Public Reaction and Revolutionary Leaders: News of the banquet and rumors of royalist plots angered Parisians, leading to calls by figures like Danton and Marat for the people to take action. Fear of a royal counter-revolution increased, with demands for Louis XVI to return to Paris to ensure his commitment to the Revolution. Women's March on Versailles (October 5-6): Due to food shortages and fear of counter-revolution, a crowd led by market women marched to Versailles, demanding bread and accountability from the king. Despite some resistance, the women were allowed to meet the king, who promised to address their concerns. Return of the Royal Family: On October 6, under pressure from the crowd and leaders like Lafayette, the royal family reluctantly returned to Paris. Their return was celebrated by the crowd, symbolizing the king’s subjugation to the people's will and the Revolution’s authority. Symbolism of the Return: The crowd’s chant, “the baker, the baker’s wife, and the little baker’s boy,” symbolized hope for a better future, with the king’s family representing sustenance and prosperity. Attack on the Catholic Church The Assembly Moves to Paris: The Assembly was relocated to Paris, where open sessions allowed public influence, leading to concerns over mob violence and unrest. Efforts to Alleviate Misery: The Assembly aimed to address food shortages and abolished the gabelle (salt tax), which was crucial for food preservation.  Suppression of Unrest: The Assembly used martial law to control unrest and instituted new laws regarding citizenship, restricting active political roles to those with property qualifications. Confiscation of Church Property: To address financial crises, the Assembly looked to nationalize Church lands. This decision was influenced by anti-clerical sentiments and Enlightenment ideas. Debate on Church Property Rights: There were arguments about whether the Assembly had the right to confiscate Church lands, with some viewing the Church as a corrupt institution holding land in trust, and others defending property rights under the Declaration of the Rights of Man. Secularization Wins: Ultimately, the Assembly voted to secularize and confiscate Church lands, using them as a resource to address the national debt. Financial Strategies and Issues Sale of Church Lands: Confiscated Church lands were sold to generate income, leading to an economic shift favoring the bourgeois class, which could purchase these properties. Assignats Issued: To stabilize finances, the government issued assignats (promissory notes) backed by Church property. However, there were concerns about their devaluation. Resistance to Assignats: Due to fears of depreciation, there was initial reluctance to accept assignats, which led to inflation. Civil Constitution of the Clergy King Louis XVI's Speech: Louis XVI showed tentative support for the Revolution, though he later faced pressure to fully endorse the Civil Constitution. Impact of the Civil Constitution: The Constitution sought to reform the Church under Enlightenment ideals, reducing clerical privileges and requiring clergy to swear loyalty to the nation rather than the Pope. Church Resistance: Many clergy opposed the new requirements, with bishops and priests refusing to take oaths, causing tension and leading to a rift between the Catholic Church and the state. Representation, Authority, and Control King's Uneasy Relationship with the Assembly: Despite Louis XVI’s apparent support, there was widespread distrust toward the monarchy, leading to legislative measures to reduce royal influence. Bicameral Legislature Considered: There were debates on adopting a bicameral structure, inspired by Britain, to prevent royal or noble privilege. But king was against it so they did not.  Political Tensions: The Assembly faced challenges in expanding participation and reducing traditional privileges, balancing ideals of the Revolution against practical governance needs. Summary Political turmoil was escalating as legislators restricted voting rights, eliminating over a third of adult males and limiting candidates to the wealthy. While elite white men dominated political influence, public engagement through clubs and gatherings allowed the urban poor to participate in discussions. Radical groups, such as the Cordeliers Club and the Society of the Friends of Blacks, emerged to challenge the status quo, advocating for political equality and anti-slavery measures, Highlights - 📜 creating tension between moderates and radicals. 1. Voting Restrictions: Over one-third of adult males excluded from voting. 2. Wealthy Candidates: Only the richest citizens allowed to stand for election. 3. Racial Considerations: Voting qualifications left to white colonists amid debates over Saint-Domingue. 4. Public Engagement: Political clubs and gatherings fostered citizen participation. 5. Radical Clubs: Cordeliers Club welcomed diverse participation, unlike elite salons. 6. Public Pressure: Activism contributed to the abolition of noble titles on June 19. 🔍 7. Emerging Agitation: Radical journalists pushed for political equality and reforms. Key Insights - 🌐 1. Exclusionary Practices: The legislative actions reflected a commitment to maintaining elite control, undermining the principles of democracy. 📣 2. Public Mobilization: Despite restrictive measures, political clubs provided a platform for urban poor voices, illustrating grassroots engagement. ⚖️ 3. Radical vs. Moderate Tensions: The existing moderates faced pressure from both royalists and radical factions, highlighting a fragmented political landscape. 🌍 4. Role of Race: The focus on race in political participation indicates underlying socio-political tensions, particularly regarding colonial interests. 🗣️ 5. Impact of Clubs: The Cordeliers Club exemplified how informal political structures could influence formal legislative decisions, showing the power of public discourse. ✊ 6. Anti-Slavery Advocacy: The Society of the Friends of Blacks signified an intersection of race and politics, pushing for broader social change beyond national borders. 🔄 7. Evolution of Political Ideals: The radical push for total political equality illustrated a significant shift in societal values during this revolutionary period. Summary In the late 18th century, radical egalitarianism challenged social distinctions, leading to revolts and public outrage against royalists like General Bouillé. Amidst the chaos, King Louis XVI faced conflicts over the Civil Constitution of the Clergy and international concerns regarding his loyalty. The National Assembly, while moderate, struggled to balance radical pressures and maintain order, as revolutionary sentiments grew, ultimately setting the stage for a break between the monarchy and the revolution. Highlights - 📉 Women in Politics: The Society of the Friends of Truth included women, challenging gender norms.  Soldiers’ Revolt: Democratic ideals fueled a mutiny in Nancy, suppressed by royalist forces. Public Outrage: Bouillé’s actions sparked condemnation and increased republican sentiment. Economic Instability: Ongoing financial issues plagued the government amid radical changes. King’s Dilemma: Louis XVI struggled with the Civil Constitution’s approval due to his religious beliefs. Radicalism vs. Monarchy: The Assembly sought to stabilize France through a constitutional monarchy. International Tensions: Concerns over foreign intervention in the revolution complicated Key Insights - 🔍 diplomatic relations. Gender Equality Movement: The admission of women into political societies like the Friends of Truth marks an important step in the fight for gender equality, reflecting a broader challenge to entrenched social hierarchies. This grassroots movement laid the foundation for future feminist activism. Impact of Democratic Ideals: The soldiers’ revolt in Nancy illustrates how rapidly spreading radical ideas can disrupt traditional power structures, highlighting the potential volatility of revolutionary sentiments among the military. Shift in Public Sentiment: Bouillé’s suppression of the revolt turned public opinion against royalists, emphasizing the growing divide between the monarchy and revolutionary factions. This shift underscores how leadership actions can precipitate wider political crises. Economic Crisis: The financial instability faced by the government amid radical reforms reveals the inherent challenges of revolutionary change, suggesting that economic conditions often dictate political viability. Religious Conflict: Louis XVI’s religious devotion complicated his political decisions, demonstrating how personal beliefs can obstruct pragmatic governance during times of upheaval, ultimately leading to greater conflict. Ambivalence Towards Monarchy: The Assembly’s desire to maintain monarchy while supporting radical reforms illustrates a fundamental tension in revolutionary movements, balancing the need for stability with demands for change. International Dynamics: The interplay between domestic policies and international relations emphasizes the complexity of revolutions, as foreign interests often exacerbate internal conflicts and complicate the aspirations for national sovereignty. Summary In spring 1791, King Louis XVI attempted to escape Paris, testing his freedom against the will of the people. When he announced plans to attend Easter Mass outside the city, a crowd blocked his departure, leading to humiliation for the royal family. On June 20, the royal family tried to flee but was captured in Varennes. This betrayal shocked the National Assembly, causing divisions among deputies and leading to the formation of new political factions: the conservative Feuillants and the radical Jacobins. Highlights - 1. 🗝️ King’s Tension: The king felt the pressure from the Paris crowd. 2. Easter Attempt: Louis planned to leave Paris for Easter Mass, leading to public uproar. 3. Mobbed Palace: A crowd prevented the royal family from leaving the Tuileries. 4. Failed Escape: The family attempted to flee on June 20 but was arrested.  5. Public Outrage: Paris blamed leaders for the king’s escape attempt. 6. Political Division: The crisis split deputies into the conservative Feuillants and radical Jacobins. 🔍 7. New Political Landscape: The event reshaped the political dynamics in revolutionary France. Key Insights - 🏰 1. Symbol of Authority: The king’s attempt to leave highlights the diminishing power of monarchy, as public sentiment held him captive. 🗣️ 2. Mob Rule Dynamics: The crowd’s ability to control the king’s movements underscores the revolutionary power of popular unrest. 😔 3. Embarrassment for Royals: The humiliation faced by the royal family marked a pivotal moment, signaling their vulnerability. ⚖️ 4. Political Repercussions: The flight spurred immediate political backlash, showing how quickly public opinion can shift against leaders. ⚔️ 5. Factionalism: The split into Feuillants and Jacobins illustrates the evolving ideological landscape within the revolutionary movement. 🔥 6. Radicalization of Politics: The Jacobins’ outrage reflects the increasing radicalization of the political discourse during the revolution. 🗺️ 7. Administrative Restructuring: The reorganization of France into departments indicates a shift towards modern governance and away from feudal structures. Summary By July 1, 1791, France’s political landscape has dramatically shifted due to the Revolution. Once a dominant military power, France now faces internal strife and external threats as European monarchs reassess their positions. With Louis XVI effectively a prisoner and many noble officers having fled, neighboring nations eye France’s vulnerability, fearing the spread of revolutionary ideals. Highlights - 🇫🇷 The balance of power in Europe teeters as monarchs ponder the implications for their own rule. Revolutionary Shift: The French Revolution has altered France’s power dynamics. Military Decline: France’s military strength is weakened, with many officers defecting. Monarchs Unite: European monarchs consider how to respond to France’s instability. Fear of Revolution: Rising revolutionary fervor raises concerns among European rulers. National Assembly Control: The National Assembly now controls military funding, complicating command. Volunteer Forces: Thousands of citizens join the National Guard, indicating popular support for the revolution. Potential Conflict: Neighboring nations contemplate intervention to exploit France’s weakness. Key Insights - 🔍 Transformation of Power: 🇫🇷 The French Revolution has dismantled the traditional power structures in Europe, posing a significant challenge to monarchies that relied on absolute ⚔️ rule. The shift signifies a potential reordering of political dynamics across the continent. Military Vulnerability: France’s weakened military, due to the flight of noble officers, underscores the fragility of its position. This vulnerability invites aggression from rival nations and reflects the internal chaos of the revolutionary period.  Monarchs’ Dilemma: 👑 The uncertainty faced by European monarchs highlights a pivotal moment in history, as they grapple with the implications of a weakened France and the threat 💰 of revolutionary ideologies spreading to their own territories. Control and Command Issues: The division of military funding between the king and the National Assembly creates a crisis in command, revealing the complexities of governance 🗣️ during revolutionary upheaval. Public Sentiment: The mobilization of citizens into the National Guard reflects a strong grassroots support for the revolution, indicating a shift in loyalty from the monarchy to the 🌍 people, which could redefine future governance. International Alliances: The emerging alliances among European monarchs, driven by mutual interest in containing the spread of revolutionary fervor, signal the beginning of a new 🚨 geopolitical landscape in Europe. Risk of Broader Conflict: As the revolution in France progresses, the potential for wider conflict looms, with many nations preparing for possible military action against revolutionary France to protect their own interests and stability. Summary Saint-Domingue, once a thriving French colony on Hispaniola, transformed from a struggling population of 10,000 in 1697 to over 500,000 by 1791 due to the booming sugar industry. The island faced severe inequalities, with a large enslaved population and growing tensions between free blacks and whites, exacerbated by the French Revolution’s ideals. In 1791, a rebellion erupted, Highlights - 🍬 leading to the abolition of slavery in 1794, but the island remained unstable due to ongoing conflicts. 1. Saint-Domingue’s Wealth: Once the world’s most profitable colony, driven by sugar production. 2. Population Growth: From 10,000 in 1697 to over 500,000 by 1791, with a majority being slaves. 3. Sugar Boom: Rapid increase in sugar plantations from 18 in 1700 to nearly 300 by 1791. 4. French Revolution Impact: The Revolution’s ideals fueled demands for rights among free blacks. 5. Tensions Rise: Conflicts between whites and free blacks escalated following revolutionary changes. 6. Abolition of Slavery: French government abolished slavery in 1794 amidst the rebellion. Key Insights - 🔍 7. Ongoing Turmoil: Despite abolition, the island remained unstable with continued conflicts. 1. Economic Dependency on Slavery: The colony’s wealth relied heavily on the exploitation of enslaved Africans, illustrating the moral and ethical implications of colonial economies. The high mortality rates among slaves highlight the brutal conditions they faced. 2. Demographic Shifts: The dramatic population increase reflects the unsustainable reliance on slavery, raising questions about the future of such a society. The escalating number of free blacks and mulattoes created a new dynamic that challenged the existing social order. 3. Revolutionary Ideals: The influence of the French Revolution on Saint-Domingue shows how revolutionary ideas can inspire marginalized groups to seek rights and justice, igniting significant social change. 4. Conflict and Resistance: The tensions between different racial groups underline the complexities of colonial societies and foreshadow the violent struggles for power and rights that would follow. Slaves outnumbered whites so whites feared uprising. 5. Abolition’s Limitations: Abolishing slavery did not resolve the deep-seated inequalities and tensions, proving that legal changes alone are insufficient without addressing underlying societal issues. 6. Legacy of Turmoil: The ongoing instability post-abolition illustrates the challenges of transitioning from an exploitative system to one based on equality and justice, a theme relevant in many post-colonial contexts. 7. Global Influence: The events in Saint-Domingue had repercussions beyond the Caribbean, influencing abolitionist movements and discussions on human rights across the globe, reflecting the interconnectedness of colonial histories. 8. White settlers had sex with black women, producing FREE children 9. Abolitionists formed the Friends of the Blacks Society in Paris (club Massiac opposed this) 10. Declaration of rights of man caused chaos bc it outlined that all men have rights 11. Ogé (mulatto) held slave uprising in saint domingue 12. May 15 —> gov granted freedom to mulattos born of two free parents