Malcolm Rivera
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, led to the collapse of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime. On September 3, 1791, the absolute monarchy that had governed France for 948 years was forced to limit its power and become a provisional constitutional monarchy. This constitutional monarchy was short-lived, lasting only until September 21, 1792, when the French monarchy was abolished and replaced by the French First Republic. The onset of the French Revolutionary Wars and the growing influence of radical Jacobin and republican ideas further contributed to the end of the constitutional monarchy. The proclamation of the republic on September 22, 1792, marked the end of 203 years of consecutive Bourbon rule in France.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date established | 3 September 1791 |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Previous system | Absolute monarchy |
| Cause | French Revolution |
| King | Louis XVI |
| Constitution | 1791 Constitution |
| End date | 21 September 1792 |
| Successor system | French First Republic |
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What You'll Learn
The French Revolution
The revolution was sparked by a wave of unrest in Paris, with demonstrations over issues such as bread prices and calls for liberal political reforms. The storming of the Bastille, a symbol of royal authority, on July 14, 1789, was a significant event, leading to the fall of Paris from the king's control. This date is now celebrated as Bastille Day in France.
During the revolution, the National Constituent Assembly, formed by representatives of the Third Estate (the common people), played a crucial role. On August 4, 1789, they passed a document influenced by the doctrine of natural right, stating the universal rights of man and the basis for a nation of free and equal individuals protected by law. On October 5, 1789, thousands of women in the marketplaces of Paris protested over the high price and scarcity of bread. Their demonstrations intertwined with those of revolutionaries seeking liberal political reforms and a constitutional monarchy.
In 1791, the National Constituent Assembly issued a decree that King Louis XVI would remain king but under a constitutional monarchy, with the French Constitution of 1791. This constitution was revolutionary, abolishing the nobility and declaring all men equal before the law. However, the king's attempts to flee the country and his use of veto powers to protect non-juring priests angered radicals. On August 10, 1792, an insurrection took place, and a National Convention was called, leading to the abolition of the monarchy on September 21, 1792, and the proclamation of the French First Republic.
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The Constitution of 1791
On September 3, 1791, the absolute monarchy that had ruled France for 948 years was transformed into a constitutional monarchy. This change established the Kingdom of the French and was brought about by the National Constituent Assembly, which forced King Louis XVI to accept the French Constitution of 1791.
The French Constitution of 1791 was the first written constitution in France and was created after the collapse of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime. One of the fundamental principles of the French Revolution was the adoption of constitutionality and the establishment of popular sovereignty. The constitution was the culmination of long negotiations and was reluctantly accepted by King Louis XVI, who detested Paris and had tried to escape the city in 1791.
The constitution redefined the organisation of the French government, citizenship, and the limits of governmental powers. The National Assembly, which was the legislative body, asserted its legal presence by establishing its permanence in the Constitution and by forming a system of recurring elections. The Assembly's belief in a sovereign nation and equal representation was reflected in the constitutional separation of powers. The king and royal ministers constituted the executive branch, while the judiciary was independent of the other two branches.
The main controversies during the drafting of the constitution centred on the level of power to be granted to the king and the structure of the legislature. The Constitutional Committee initially proposed a bicameral legislature and an absolute veto for the king, but these motions were defeated. Instead, a unicameral legislature and a suspensive veto for the king were adopted. The suspensive veto could be overridden by three consecutive legislatures, and it was intended to balance the interests of the people and prevent the country from being ruled by the self-interest of their representatives.
Despite the constitution's attempt to balance different interests, it was not egalitarian by today's standards. It distinguished between "active citizens" who were over the age of 25, paid direct taxes, and owned property, and "passive citizens" who were poorer and lacked political rights. Women were also denied various liberties, such as education, freedom of speech, and the freedom to worship.
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The National Assembly
During the French Revolution, which began in 1789, a revolutionary assembly was formed by the representatives of the Third Estate (the common people) of the Estates-General. From 17 June to 9 July 1789, this assembly was known as the National Assembly. On 9 July, the National Assembly became known as the National Constituent Assembly.
On 3 September 1791, the National Constituent Assembly forced King Louis XVI to accept the French Constitution of 1791, thereby turning the absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy. The National Assembly's constitution was revolutionary, abolishing the nobility of France and declaring all men to be equal before the law. However, the Assembly's constitution was short-lived. Following the onset of the French Revolutionary Wars and the August 10 Insurrection, a National Convention was called, and on 21-22 September 1792, France was declared a republic.
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The abolishment of the monarchy
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, brought about significant changes in the country's social and governmental structure. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for 948 years was forced to limit its power and become a provisional constitutional monarchy on 3 September 1791. This change was instigated by the National Constituent Assembly, who made King Louis XVI accept the French Constitution of 1791, which abolished the nobility and declared all men equal before the law.
However, this constitutional monarchy was short-lived. On 10 August 1792, the Tuileries Palace was stormed, and the Legislative Assembly suspended the monarchy the following day. The National Convention, elected under universal male suffrage, officially abolished the monarchy on 21 September 1792, bringing an end to 203 years of Bourbon rule and establishing the French First Republic.
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The proclamation of the French First Republic
The French First Republic was proclaimed on 21 September 1792, effectively abolishing the French monarchy. The proclamation came about as a result of the insurrection of 10 August 1792, when citizens stormed the Tuileries Palace, killing six hundred of the King's Swiss guards and demanding the removal of the king. This event, known as the August 10 Insurrection, sparked a period of extreme uncertainty and political turmoil in France, with fears of counterrevolutionary plots and mass lynchings.
The National Convention, elected under universal male suffrage, was tasked with drafting a new republican constitution. On 22 September 1792, the Convention proclaimed the Republic, and on 24 June 1793, the first democratic constitution of France was formally established. This constitution, known as the Constitution of 1793, allowed universal suffrage for all French males over the age of 21 for the first time.
The French First Republic was characterised by political instability and social unrest, with food riots and mass hunger plaguing Paris during the winter of 1792 and spring of 1793. The new Convention struggled to address these issues, focusing instead on matters of war. The Republic was also engaged in a series of military conflicts known as the French Revolutionary Wars, which pitted them against Britain, Austria, and several other monarchies from 1792 to 1802.
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Frequently asked questions
The constitutional monarchy was established in France on 3 September 1791.
The constitutional monarchy lasted for about a year, until 21 September 1792, when the French monarchy was abolished and the French First Republic was proclaimed.
The constitutional monarchy in France was a form of government where the monarch's powers were limited by a constitution. It was established after the French Revolution, which began in 1789, and aimed to provide a more liberal and fair political system.
The constitutional monarchy ended in France due to increasing radicalism and the influence of republican ideals during the French Revolutionary Wars. The King's use of veto powers and refusal to defend the revolutionary government also contributed to its demise, leading to the proclamation of the French First Republic.
