Chapter 7 - Reaction To Change At Home And Abroad Flashcards
(44 cards)
The Jacobin Club:
Who were the members?
Who emerged as their leader?
What ideas did it support?
- members were from the more wealthy sections of society
- Robespierre emerged as leader of the club
- generally faithful to the constitution, and put pressure on radical groups
What was the Jacobin response to the Flight to Varennes?
- Jacobins argues that Louis had in effect abdicated and should not be replaced.
- this republican manifesto split the Jacobins
The Cordeliers Club:
Who were its members?
Who were in the leadership?
What ideas did it support?
- Its members were poorer men and women
- Middle class = Danton, Desmoulins, Marat, Hebert
- It supported more radical ideas than the Jacobins - felt need to keep an eye on National Assembly and leaders of democratic movement
The Club Monarchique:
Who were its members?
What ideas did it support?
- members included National Assembly deputies, clergy, nobles and upper bourgeoisie
- counter-revolutionary club, sponsored propaganda and encouraged similar clubs across France. Wanted a return to Ancien Regime-style monarchy
The Feuillants:
Who were its members?
What ideas did it support?
How did it take control?
- this club was set up by those who left the Jacobins when it split. Many National Assembly deputies.
- supported constitutional monarchy.
- after the Champ de Mars massacre they took control in National Assembly and produced new constitution.
What was Louis’ initial response to the revolution and the constitution?
He appeared to accept it and was willing to work towards a constitutional monarchy.
What two problems changed Louis’ view of the revolution?
- His religion
2. The realisation that, as a prisoner in Paris, he had little room for negotiation/limited power
How did Louis demonstrate his position in 1791
2 points
- very religious but avoided hearing mass celebrated by clergy who had sworn clerical oath
- royal family refused to attend Paris Easter Mass and tried to spend Easter in Saint Cloud (crowds blocked them in)
How did Louis respond to change in France?
Louis was blocked from leaving Paris for Easter and the National Guard could not clear their way so Louis decided to leave Paris
What was the Saint Cloud incident?
Louis was prevented from leaving the Tuileries by a hostile mob. Trapped in a courtyard for 2 hours with people hurling insults/projectiles. Showed the king and family were prisoners in Paris.
When was the Flight to Varennes?
20 June 1791
What was the Flight to Varennes?
Louis and royal family tried to escape Paris by leaving in disguise in the night to travel east, to Austria.
Who influenced the King in his decision to flee France?
King and Queen were in contact with lots of emigre nobles, and Marie Antionette’s Austrian family. Wanted Louis to assert authority and resist the revolution by escaping.
Flight to Varennes:
What happened?
King Louis and family were recognised and stopped at Varennes, and brought back to Paris.
Why did the king flee in 1791?
Louis lost faith in the revolution:
- favoured strong monarchy and believed if monarchy fell/suppressed revolution would collapse
- stripping of his powers alienated him from revolution
What were some key reasons for the failure of the flight to Varennes?
(3 points)
- Louis ignored advisors: didn’t take suggested route, family didn’t travel separately
- Delayed departure because carriage was so heavy (tried to take so much with them)
- Escort troops left before family arrives (had no protection)
Who stopped the flight to Varennes?
Louis was recognised by Jean-Baptiste Drouet (said he recognised profile but actually had a tip-off in Paris). Drouet rode on to next village to stop carriage and National Assembly escorted family back to Paris.
What was significant about the King’s return to Paris in 1791?
The Royal family were in total disgrace. People kept hats on to show disrespect for the king and family.
What was the outcome of the Flight to Varennes (regarding Louis)?
Attempted flight caused doubts over kings sincerity and showed his complete lack of understanding of the popularity of the revolution.
How did the King attempt to justify the flight?
- Complained about unfair treatment since he had been returned to the Tuileries.
- Opposed the Assembly’s decrees (like his limited suspensory Veto)
What was the outcome of the Flight to Varennes (regarding the National Assembly)?
National Assembly debated deposing Louis and eventually decided on temporary suspension until Louis had signed and sworn to new constitution. However, Louis behaviour undermined constitution before it had even been adopted so popular clubs/radical press called for abdication and trial.
How did the flight to Varennes damage the 1791 constitution?
The credibility of the constitution was undermined before it was even implemented as the king was revealed to be completely against the revolution. The kings position within it seemed untenable.
How did the flight to Varennes reveal people’s changing attitudes?
It revealed that Louis could not be trusted. On 24 June, 300,000 people marched to the National Assembly supporting a petition from the Cordeliers calling for the kings dismissal.
How did the Press respond to the Flight to Varennes?
The radical press began to mock Louis and his family. He was portrayed as a pig in cartoons and there was in increase in attacks on the Queen. Some press also be an calling for his deposition.
