French Revolution
End of the Old Regime
The National Assembly reacted to news of peasant’s rebellions and rumors of
a possible foreign invasion. So they voted to abolish all legal privileges of the nobles and clergy.
Declaration of the Rights of Man
On August 26, the NA adopted it, which was inspired by the English Bill of Rights and by the American Declaration of Independence and Constitution
Proclaimed freedom and equal before the law, appointment to public office should be based on talent; they should all pay taxes and freedom of speech and press.
Louis XVI remains in the Versailles refusing to accept the NA´s decrees. On October 5, thousands of Paris women armed marched to Versailles where they met with the king and forced him to accept the new decrees. The crowd insisted that the royal family return to Paris so they were virtual prisoners in Paris.
Church Reforms
The NA was able to increase the states revenues by selling the Church’s land. The Church was brought under the state’s control.
A new civil constitution of the clergy said that bishops and priests were to be elected by the people and would be paid by the state.
New Constitution and New Fears
There was still a king, but a Legislative Assembly would make laws.
The old order had been destroyed, but the new government had no support.
War with Austria
The kings of Austria and Prussia used force to restore Louis XVI to power. Insulted by this the LA declared war on Austria.
Rise of Paris Commune
Paris radicals decided to fate a revolution because of protest food storage and defeats in war.
They declared themselves a commune and attacked the royal palace and LA