Division and disunity in the Assembly, debates on suffrage and martial law, split within the Jacobin Club, challenges to the authority of the National Assembly, realignment of political groups, debates on citizen classification, fluidity of the French Revolution
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Quick takeaways
The Assembly becomes divided and embroiled in debates over universal suffrage and martial law, with factions and clubs dominating the political landscape.
A heated debate arises in the Assembly over the distinction between active and passive citizens in terms of voting rights, further polarizing the members and setting the stage for future conflicts.
The attempt to reconcile liberal monarchists and democratic republicans in the Society of 1789 fails, leading to increasing fragmentation within the Assembly and creating a challenging political landscape.
Deep dives
The Assembly Moves to Paris and Political Clubs Emerge
This episode explores the period of time after the October days, when the National Assembly settles in Paris and faces a lull in big revolutionary events. The Assembly manages to create its own storm by making enemies out of various groups. The political clubs and societies, such as the Monarchist Club and the Jacobin Club, start to dominate the Assembly. The departure of influential moderate conservatives, like Menier, facilitates a realignment of political groupings within the Assembly. The divisions between the Conservatives, Centrists, Left, and Far Left become more explicit, leading to future debates and conflicts.
The Distinction Between Active and Passive Citizens Is Debated
The Assembly engages in a heated debate over the distinction between active and passive citizens in terms of voting rights. Abbe Ciers proposes that only Frenchmen over the age of 25 who pay a certain level of direct tax should be considered active citizens with voting rights. The proposal sparks outrage among many left-leaning deputies, who argue that a large portion of the population would be excluded from the political process. The law is passed, against the objections of some centrists and left-wing deputies, further polarizing the Assembly and setting the stage for future conflicts.
The Creation of the Society of 1789 and Political Fragmentation
The Society of 1789 is formed by centrist deputies with the aim of reconciling liberal monarchists and democratic republicans, creating a stable block in the Assembly. However, the society fails to build a solid alliance with deputies on the left, who reject their restrictions on suffrage and limits on press freedoms. As a result, the society disintegrates. Meanwhile, the conservatives push for a stronger monarchy, and divisions within the Assembly make it difficult for any group to gain control. This political fragmentation sets the stage for future debates and power struggles.
Fluidity and Divisions within the Assembly
By the end of 1790, no single group within the Assembly has full control. The conservatives, liberal monarchists, centrists, and left-leaning deputies are all vying for influence. The outcome of key debates is uncertain due to a mixture of juvenile parliamentary rules, poor party discipline, personal feuds, and ideological divisions. The Assembly is fractured, with numerous clubs and factions emerging throughout Paris and the nation as a whole. The revolution's divisions are well underway, creating a challenging and unpredictable political landscape.
Conclusion
This episode delves into the dynamics of the National Assembly after the October days. It highlights the emergence of political clubs, the debate over voting rights, the creation of the Society of 1789, and the increasing fragmentation within the Assembly. The divisions and conflicts within the Assembly foreshadow the challenges and power struggles that will shape the future course of the revolution.
Division and disunity grip the Assembly. As factions, societies, and clubs begin to dominate the political landscape, the Assembly finds itself embroiled in divisive debates concerning universal male suffrage and martial law. This episode explores the many political associations of the early Revolution, including the famous Jacobins.
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About
Grey History: The French Revolution and Napoleon is a podcast dedicated to exploring the complexities of our history. By examining both the experiences of contemporaries and the conclusions of historians, Grey History seeks to unpack the ambiguities and nuances of the past. Understanding the French Revolution and the age of Napoleon is critical to understanding the history of the world, so join us on a journey through a series of events that would be almost unbelievable if it weren't for the fact that it's true! If you're looking for a binge-worthy history podcast on the Revolution and Napoleon, you're in the right place! Likewise, if you like Revolutions podcasts, you'll love this journey on the French Revolution and Napoleon.
