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The French Constitutional Monarchy's establishment marked a shift from absolutism to a constitution-based rule. Key events included the financial crisis under King Louis XVI, the formation of the National Assembly, the Tennis Court Oath, and the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Man. The Constitution of 1791 and the Legislative Assembly's role in advancing reforms are also discussed, leading to the monarchy's downfall and the First French Republic's proclamation.
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The French Treasury's bankruptcy in 1789 led to the summoning of the Estates-General and the subsequent establishment of a constitutional monarchy
Third Estate's Demand for Equitable Representation
The Third Estate's demand for a democratic voting system challenged the traditional estate-based system and led to the historic Tennis Court Oath
Defiance Against Royal Authority
The National Assembly's reconvening in a nearby tennis court and taking the Tennis Court Oath was a clear act of defiance against the monarch's authority
Legal and Economic Reforms
The National Constituent Assembly implemented sweeping reforms, including modernizing the legal system and introducing a more equitable tax system
Civil Constitution of the Clergy
The contentious Civil Constitution of the Clergy redefined the relationship between the Church and the state and saw only partial compliance from clergy
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, influenced by the Enlightenment and the American Declaration of Independence, asserted the principles of equality and freedom of expression
The declaration redefined the role of the monarch as the guardian of these rights rather than a sovereign ruling by divine right
The French Constitution of 1791, crafted by a committee representing various political perspectives, established a constitutional monarchy grounded in principles of equality and freedom
Introduction of the Guillotine and Liberalization of Divorce
The Legislative Assembly introduced the guillotine as a humane method of execution and passed laws to liberalize divorce, reflecting changing social attitudes
Resistance and Issues
The Legislative Assembly faced challenges such as the resistance of non-juring clergy and the issue of émigrés
The Flight to Varennes exposed King Louis XVI's lack of commitment to the constitutional framework, and the declaration of war against Austria further destabilized the monarchy
The Legislative Assembly's proclamation of the First French Republic marked the formal end of the constitutional monarchy, highlighting the conflict between revolutionary ideals and traditional monarchy
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Financial crisis date halting French Treasury payments
16 August 1789, marked fiscal emergency leading to state bankruptcy.
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Significance of summoning the Estates-General
5 May 1789, King Louis XVI called assembly due to financial crisis, pivotal in political transformation.
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Transformation of the Third Estate into National Assembly
17 June 1789, Third Estate self-proclaimed as National Assembly, challenging monarch's authority.
