Massimino blog post for 9/1/20

Chapter 4 of Popkin concludes with an open ended inquiry of what exactly killed the chances of a Constitutional Monarchy for France. There was some talk of failure being “inevitable.” As historians, we should never be content with that answer. Personally, I draw the conclusion that the Constitutional Monarchy of France failed because the initially set post-revolution government was not as democratic or “revolutionary” as it claimed. The deputies had merely set up an oligarchy, still founded in giving power to wealthy, white men. However, the monarchy was the figurehead of their indiscretions. They drafted “The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen,” but it was clear they did not truly believe equality and will of the people was as sacred as they fronted.I think a clear example of this can be found on page 54 that outlines the events of October 6th, 1789. While deputies were discussing what degree of power the monarchy would still possess, women from Paris took matters into their own hands to move the King and kill his guards. Had the deputies set up the government to truly be equal in practice and give more individuals a say in the new government, the French people would not have gotten so frustrated at the idea of the figurehead that was the monarchy. I am curious as to what others think on this subject.

3 Replies to “Massimino blog post for 9/1/20”

  1. I totally agree with you! This is something I was really thinking about when I read the speech from Count De Clermont Tonnerre in support of equal rights for the Jewish community. To me, it is clear that the National Assembly should have acted immediately to grant these rights since Article 10 of the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizens states that “No one should be disturbed because of his opinions, even about religion, provided that their practice does not disturb the public order established by law.” Still, the Assembly was reluctant to act and put it off for a year before acting.

  2. I completely agree with your thoughts! I have always thought that French government of this period danced on the line of oligarchy too often. Much like Christian mentioned, the ruling elite repeatedly failed to act quickly and decisively on major social reforms. They may have came to the table with lofty goals and a packed agenda, but as soon as they were sat at the head of the table they thought ‘OH BOY, I need to make sure my rights are preserved first and foremost.”

  3. I completely agree with you. I think some of the issues found within their government could be compared to things in our world today. Although Lincoln freed the slaves in 1863, things did not take major change for a while after. Even today we are seeing how discrimination and oppression are present in our country, much like what was experienced in France during this time.

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