Failure of CM

• Declaration of the rights of man and of the citizen of 1789


  First major attack on Louis XVI's absolute power as it decreed that all power derives directly from the people, not the individual
• Constitutional monarchy in revolutionary France


  Formalised with the passing of the French constitution of 1791
• French constitution of 1791


  • Severely limited Louis' powers (e.g. Louis could not appoint members of the assembly or declare war without the assembly's consent)
• Possible reasons for the failure of the constitutional monarchy


  • Actions of Louis XVI
  • Civil constitution of the clergy
  • Activities of the Emigres
• Role of Louis XVI


  Most important reason for the failure of constitutional monarchy
• Louis XVI's actions


  1. Planned to secretly flee Tuileries Palace in July 1791

  2. Recognised by a postmaster and arrested in Varennes
• Louis XVI's Flight to Varennes

  Led to a collapse in support for the monarchy, seen as deceitful and perhaps even traitorous
• Many in France now believed that it was impossible for a constitutional monarchy to function with Louis at its head
• National Constituent Assembly voted on 16th July 1791 to suspend Louis until he agreed to the new Constitution
• Civil constitution of the clergy


  Decree in November 1790 stated any bishops or priests that did not agree to the oath were suspended from office
• Removal of priests


  Very unpopular amongst parishioners, turning many against the revolution and the system of constitutional monarchy
• Acceptance of the oath of loyalty varied significantly by region, with areas with the lowest support for the revolution such as the Vendee having the highest number of non-juring priests
• Activities of Emigres


  Young nobles and former military officers were at the forefront of counter revolutionary Emigres armies, such as la legion noire formed in late 1790
• Emigres from the nobility


  Sought restoration of the monarchy and reversal of the achievements of the revolution, creating fear and distrust towards Louis
• Many second-class Emigres lost their venal offices, manorial estates and positions of power as a result of the revolution
• Louis XVI's conflicting attitudes to the revolution


  Led to suspicion from the deputies and people