Attempts to establish a constitutional monarchy

Question 1

Why did the Assembly want to change the Church

Answer 1

• Philosophes criticised Church power, influence and intolerance
• Dire financial position by 1789 - State could access Church’s riches

Question 2

Religious changes by the National Assembly (4 changes)

Answer 2

• 1789
• Pluralism and Annates abolished
• Tithe and don gratuit abolished
• Church property nationalised
• Weakened secular power of Church
• Relieved state burden of debt

Question 3

What was pluralism

Answer 3

• The holding of more than one religious office
• Therefore receiving an income in excess of 3000 livres

Question 4

Civil Constitution of the Clergy

Answer 4

• 12th July 1790
• Clergy paid by state
• Bishops and priests to be elected
• Church subservient to state

Question 5

Oath to the civil constitution

Answer 5

• November 1790
• 7/160 bishops and 55% of parish clergy took oath
• Refusal led to deprivation of offices and salaries
• Many clergy fled abroad - Catholic areas turned against revolution

Question 6

Where were the strong Catholic parts of France

Answer 6

• West
• South of the Massif-Central

Question 7

Political reforms 1789

Answer 7

• Elected governing body acted as legislative
• Suspensory veto for King
• Active citizens could vote - males over 25 - direct taxes equal to 3 days labour

Question 8

When did Louis accept the new constitution

Answer 8

September 1791

Question 9

Administrative reforms

Answer 9

• France divided into 83 departements
• Each departement had an elected council
• = Decentralised government - councils not subject to central control
• Though each council controlled by directorate of 8

Question 10

Judicial reforms

Answer 10

• JP’s heard minor civil cases in communes
• Accused were to be assisted by a lawyer
• Cheaper and more accessible justice
• Fairer judgements

Question 11

Lettres de cachet abolished

Answer 11

March 1790

Question 12

Evidence of existing autocracy in the political changes of the constitutional monarchy

Answer 12

• King could suspensory veto laws for 4 years
• Active and Passive citizens and 54 days labour in tax rule
• Meant Sans-culottes could only stand for 1st tier of elections

Question 13

How did the nationalisation of church lands benefit the peasants

Answer 13

• 52% of nationalised church lands were bought by peasants

Question 14

How was the tax system still unfair after the constitutional monarchy reforms

Answer 14

• Le chapelier law of June 1791
• Forbade associations of workers
• Reasserted Bourgeosie economic dominace over sans-culottes