Flight to Varennes and Louis’ mistakes:
· Louis decision to flee to Varennes played a significant part in damaging the reputation of the new constitutional monarchy.
· The main reason he fled was to be in a place of better strategic strength, rather than be where he felt restricted, as he was practically being held hostage in Paris.
· As the flight was symbolic of his rejection of the revolution it suggested he intended to overthrow it and restore the old order so was a threat to the sustainability of the revolution.
· This was supported by declaration to the French people he had written previously stating: ‘The king does not think it would be possible to govern so large and important a kingdom as France by the means established by the National Assembly such as they exist at present’.
· Although he appeared firm in intentions, Louis failed to understand the popularity of revolution: after he was revealed en route to Varennes, the French people were forced to take further action against his power.
· At a time when Louis held very little constitutional power , reducing again would mean that he would have no power at all – raised the question as to whether France needed a monarch.
· Louis decision to flee Paris decreased his popularity and increased support for republic – therefore dashed any hope of implementing a constitutional monarchy as support for a republic grew as a result.
· Champs de Mars massacre: July 1791: political demonstration by poorer sections of Paris population. Showed the Assembly’s attitude towards the rise of Republicanism – martial law had killed about 50 and sent leaders of radicals (Hebert, Marat and Danton) into hiding. This radicalism had risen from the reaction to the Flight to Varennes.
· 13th September 1791: Constitution signed by Louis. Despite this and the Legislative Assembly that formed as a result was deeply divided. Another problem faced by Assembly: émigrés were visible sign of counter-revolution. Before Varennes, 1200 noble officers had joined émigrés, after flight: 6000 had joined.
Civil Constitution of the Clergy:
· National Assembly’s decision to create a civil constitution of the clergy also great mistake.
· Although intentions were correct (remove indulgences such as plurality/absenteeism/ tithes) reformation of the church caused huge conflict both within and with the French people.
· For the first time in hundreds of years the church was divided – although some accepted government reforms, many didn’t as the constitutional monarchy had not received approval from pope.
· Completely adapted the organisation and framework of the church – i.e. number for bishoprics reduced from 135 to 83.
· Democracy intended to be applied to church, i.e. meritocratic election of priests and bishops – outraged those who had supported to old order where opposition was proportional to wealth.
· Oath of loyalty: decreed clergy…