Why did the revolution continue even after the Constitution of 1791was drafted
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The underlying issue of the France was economy. This was not solved by revolution and people collectively looked for scapegoat that was responsible for economic failure. They thought that there were forces within France attempting to undermine the system economically and politically to derail the Revolution.
Second reason for a radicalization was a position of king, queen, clergy, and nobility to guarantee changes. These people were not willing to accept the loss of privileges, and Marie Antoinette did not supported ending of the Absolutism and divine rule of the king. The old leadership hoped that once the revolutionary fever wanes, they will reverse the course and return to the old order. The wealthy survivors of the Revolution and Napoleon even 25 years later in 1815 hoped that they can undo the revolution back to the system that existed before 1789 and ignore all the upheaval.
After year or two of goodwill, it was clear the constitutional government was not interested to maintain freedom and guarantee universal rights. Majority was afraid of the reversal to the situation before 1789 and anger of the old leadership. The population was not giving up any rights that they had achieved and were not afraid defending them at any cost. France between 1789 and 1791 went through very rapid liberalization. Censorship was lifted, theaters opened to mass public, schools were free of the Catholic indoctrination. Majority believed that society is moving the right direction and this was the rapid, enthusiastic phase which the aristocracy and church did not shared.
So the attention was turned toward the king for the leadership and answer, but he failed to lead his nation in the time of crisis. Louis was extremely indecisive king, he did not put himself in the head of the changes, and did not know what to do except overuse his veto. Society was losing patience, the economy was going to tailspin, and emigres abroad was plotting to end the revolution with the help of the European powers. The consensus between the French people and the king was broken by his flight to Varennes. Until this time, people thought that the king was sincerely interested in well being of the country, but after this incident, they saw a scheming ruler ready to betray the nation. Louis was eventually charged with a treason, and majority of the Convention agreed on this charge in 1792.
Depending on the sources you read (Albert Soboul..etc), there are indication that government was consolidating its power among the middle upper class that benefited from removing the privileges of the first and second estate, king and clergy, while denying the masses of people from gaining control over the government. The masses felt the revolution that it was slipping away and the Declaration of the rights and equality was not maintained for all. At the same time came the Declaration of Pillnitz that threatened the Revolutionaries with international intervention to secure the position of Louis XVI. The fear of the war with European power and internal enemies eventually opened floodgate toward the violence in France that lasted till 1795. Without a central authority (king became a prisoner after his flight to Varennes), there was no power that would moderate the influence of the radicals. The radicals became better organized, especially within Jacobin club, and they came to conclusion that in order to consolidate the Revolution, it is necessary to overthrow monarchy and establish the Republic. This could be only done by violence and suppression of the old order.
hope you found it useful.
Best Answer
The underlying issue of the France was economy. This was not solved by revolution and people collectively looked for scapegoat that was responsible for economic failure. They thought that there were forces within France attempting to undermine the system economically and politically to derail the Revolution.
Second reason for a radicalization was a position of king, queen, clergy, and nobility to guarantee changes. These people were not willing to accept the loss of privileges, and Marie Antoinette did not supported ending of the Absolutism and divine rule of the king. The old leadership hoped that once the revolutionary fever wanes, they will reverse the course and return to the old order. The wealthy survivors of the Revolution and Napoleon even 25 years later in 1815 hoped that they can undo the revolution back to the system that existed before 1789 and ignore all the upheaval.
After year or two of goodwill, it was clear the constitutional government was not interested to maintain freedom and guarantee universal rights. Majority was afraid of the reversal to the situation before 1789 and anger of the old leadership. The population was not giving up any rights that they had achieved and were not afraid defending them at any cost. France between 1789 and 1791 went through very rapid liberalization. Censorship was lifted, theaters opened to mass public, schools were free of the Catholic indoctrination. Majority believed that society is moving the right direction and this was the rapid, enthusiastic phase which the aristocracy and church did not shared.
So the attention was turned toward the king for the leadership and answer, but he failed to lead his nation in the time of crisis. Louis was extremely indecisive king, he did not put himself in the head of the changes, and did not know what to do except overuse his veto. Society was losing patience, the economy was going to tailspin, and emigres abroad was plotting to end the revolution with the help of the European powers. The consensus between the French people and the king was broken by his flight to Varennes. Until this time, people thought that the king was sincerely interested in well being of the country, but after this incident, they saw a scheming ruler ready to betray the nation. Louis was eventually charged with a treason, and majority of the Convention agreed on this charge in 1792.
Depending on the sources you read (Albert Soboul..etc), there are indication that government was consolidating its power among the middle upper class that benefited from removing the privileges of the first and second estate, king and clergy, while denying the masses of people from gaining control over the government. The masses felt the revolution that it was slipping away and the Declaration of the rights and equality was not maintained for all. At the same time came the Declaration of Pillnitz that threatened the Revolutionaries with international intervention to secure the position of Louis XVI. The fear of the war with European power and internal enemies eventually opened floodgate toward the violence in France that lasted till 1795. Without a central authority (king became a prisoner after his flight to Varennes), there was no power that would moderate the influence of the radicals. The radicals became better organized, especially within Jacobin club, and they came to conclusion that in order to consolidate the Revolution, it is necessary to overthrow monarchy and establish the Republic. This could be only done by violence and suppression of the old order.
hope you found it useful.
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