Eleanor Finch
The French Constitution of 1791, the first written constitution of France, turned the country into a constitutional monarchy following the collapse of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime. The National Constituent Assembly forced King Louis XVI to accept the French Constitution of 1791, thus turning the absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy. The constitution abolished the nobility of France and declared all men equal before the law. However, Louis XVI still held the power to veto legislation he did not approve of, as legislation required Royal Assent to come into force. The constitutional monarchy period lasted from 1791 until 21 September 1792, when the monarchy was abolished and the French First Republic was established.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Period | 1791 to 1792 |
| Type of Monarchy | Constitutional monarchy |
| King | Louis XVI |
| Powers of the King | Reduced |
| Voting | Liberal |
| Clergy | Elective |
| Abolition of Monarchy | 21 September 1792 |
| Republic | Declared on 22 September 1792 |
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What You'll Learn
The French Constitution of 1791 was the first written constitution in France
The Constitution retained the monarchy, but sovereignty now resided in the Legislative Assembly, which was elected by a system of indirect voting. The franchise was restricted to "active" citizens who paid a minimal sum in taxes, with about two-thirds of adult men having the right to vote for electors and certain local officials. The constitution also abolished the nobility of France and declared all men equal before the law.
The period from 1791 to 1792, when King Louis XVI enjoyed only a fraction of the power he previously held, was marked by the king's attempts to flee the country and restore his absolute power. His actions, including the use of his veto powers to protect non-juring priests and his refusal to raise militias in defence of the revolutionary government, proved unacceptable to radical revolutionaries. This ultimately led to the end of the constitutional monarchy and the establishment of a republic in 1792.
The French Constitution of 1791 was short-lived, lasting less than a year, but it was a significant step in the French Revolution, marking the adoption of constitutionality and the establishment of popular sovereignty. It set a precedent for future constitutions and governments in France.
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The absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime collapsed
The collapse of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime in France was a result of the French Revolution, which began in 1789. The revolution was sparked by a financial crisis and the Third Estate's demands for voting by head, challenging the traditional voting by order. The National Assembly, formed by the Third Estate, declared its intention to provide France with a fair and liberal constitution, marking the beginning of the end for the absolute monarchy.
On July 17, 1791, a massacre took place in Paris, known as the Champs de Mars Massacre. Two days prior, Louis XVI and his family had attempted to flee the country in what became known as the Flight to Varennes. The National Constituent Assembly issued a decree that Louis XVI would remain king, but under a constitutional monarchy. This decision faced opposition from leaders of the Republicans, who rallied against it.
The Constitution of 1791, France's first written constitution, turned the country into a constitutional monarchy. It abolished the nobility, declared all men equal before the law, and gave 4.5 million Frenchmen the right to vote. However, King Louis XVI still retained some powers, including the ability to veto legislation and royal assent was still required for laws to come into force.
The period of constitutional monarchy was short-lived, lasting from 1791 until its suspension on August 11, 1792, following the Storming of the Tuileries Palace. The National Convention, elected under universal male suffrage, abolished the monarchy on September 21, 1792, ending the Bourbon rule and proclaiming a republic. This marked the end of monarchic rule in France, with the country becoming the French First Republic and later engaging in a series of military conflicts against European monarchies.
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The King's powers were reduced
The French Constitution of 1791 was the first written constitution in France. It was formed after the collapse of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime. The National Constituent Assembly forced King Louis XVI to accept the French Constitution of 1791, turning the absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy.
The Constitution of 1791 abolished the nobility of France and declared all men to be equal before the law. However, the King still retained some powers, such as the ability to veto legislation that he did not approve of, as legislation required Royal Assent to come into force.
Despite this, the King's powers were significantly reduced under the new constitution. The National Assembly took on a more active role in governing, introducing several reforms in line with the principles of the Revolution. For example, they looked to clamp down on priests not adhering to the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, and they created one of the most famous symbols of the Revolution - the guillotine.
The King's reputation and standing sank during this period, and the constitutional monarchy proved unacceptable to radical revolutionaries. The King's attempt to flee France in the Flight to Varennes further damaged any positive public opinion for the monarchy. On 10 August 1792, the Storming of the Tuileries Palace took place, after which the Legislative Assembly suspended the constitutional monarchy. The monarchy was officially abolished on 21 September 1792, bringing an end to 203 years of consecutive Bourbon rule over France.
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The National Constituent Assembly was dissolved
On 3 September 1791, the National Constituent Assembly forced King Louis XVI to accept the French Constitution of 1791, thereby transforming the absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy. The National Constituent Assembly was dissolved after the Constitution of 1791 was enacted, and it was replaced by the Legislative Assembly, marking the beginning of the constitutional monarchy period.
The Legislative Assembly was enthusiastic about continuing and enforcing the reforms initiated by the Constituent Assembly. The Assembly introduced several reforms that aligned with the principles of the Revolution. For instance, they aimed to address the issue of priests not adhering to the Civil Constitution of the Clergy. The Assembly also created one of the most famous symbols of the Revolution - the guillotine.
The constitutional monarchy period lasted from 1791 to 1792, during which Louis XVI had only a fraction of the power he previously held as an absolute monarch. The Constitution of 1791 was revolutionary, abolishing the nobility of France and declaring all men equal before the law. However, Louis XVI still retained the ability to veto legislation that he did not approve of, as Royal Assent was required for laws to come into force.
The constitutional monarchy ended on 21 September 1792, when the National Convention abolished the monarchy, bringing an end to 203 years of Bourbon rule in France. The National Convention was elected under universal male suffrage and proclaimed a republic, leading to the establishment of the French First Republic.
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The Legislative Assembly was formed
The French Constitution of 1791 was the first written constitution in France, created after the collapse of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime. The National Assembly, formed by the Third Estate (the common people) of the Estates-General, had the goal of drafting a constitution. This process took until the summer of 1791. On 3 September 1791, the National Constituent Assembly forced King Louis XVI to accept the French Constitution, thus turning the absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy.
The Assembly was also formed against the backdrop of ongoing political struggles between the King and the National Assembly. These struggles came to a head in 1792, with the August 10 Insurrection, which resulted in the fall of the French monarchy. The Legislative Assembly itself was suspended on 11 August 1792, and the monarchy was officially abolished on 21 September 1792, bringing an end to 203 years of consecutive Bourbon rule over France.
The formation of the Legislative Assembly marked a significant shift in the French Revolution, as it was the first body to govern under the new constitutional monarchy. It was tasked with navigating the complexities of this new form of government, balancing the powers of the monarch with the principles of popular sovereignty and constitutionality. The Assembly played a crucial role in shaping the course of the Revolution and the future of France.
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Frequently asked questions
The National Constituent Assembly was dissolved and replaced by the Legislative Assembly, beginning the constitutional monarchy period.
It was the first written constitution in France, created after the collapse of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime. It abolished the nobility of France and declared all men to be equal before the law.
The monarchy was suspended on 11 August 1792, after the Storming of the Tuileries Palace. The monarchy was abolished on 21 September 1792, ending 203 years of Bourbon rule.
