27 Germinal
An CCXXXIV
National Assembly
The Tennis Court Oath was the first major signal of the Revolution. The deputies of the Third Estate declared themselves the National Assembly and swore not to separate until they had given France a constitution. As more and more nobles and members of the clergy joined the National Assembly, the king was forced to recognize this new parliament. In doing so, he had effectively lost his absolute power. In the period that followed, the National Assembly proclaimed the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, abolished privileges, and ultimately adopted a new constitution. The king declared the Revolution over – but he was mistaken. The constitutional monarchy did not even last a full year.
1789 - 1791
- June 27, 1789 · The king calls on the nobility and the clergy to join the National Assembly. The Estates-General have thus failed as an instrument of royal power.
- August 4, 1789 · The National Assembly decides to abolish feudal rights and privileges.
- August 26, 1789 · Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.
- October 5, 1789 · The Women’s March on Versailles. The next day, the king and the National Assembly move to Paris.
- July 12, 1790 · The Civil Constitution of the Clergy requires priests to swear an oath to the state and the constitution. Many refuse and thus become opponents of the new order.
- September 3, 1791 · Despite the king’s failed flight, the National Assembly adopts a new constitution establishing a constitutional monarchy.
- September 30, 1791 · Final session of the National Assembly.
Quotes
Financial, personal, or real privileges in matters of taxation are abolished forever.
Article 9 of the August Decrees of 1789
Men are born and remain free and equal in rights. Social distinctions may be founded only upon the common good.
Article 1 of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
I swear to be faithful to the Nation and to the Law.
Oath of Louis XVI to the Constitution of 1791
Le Moniteur
Du 20 au 24 juin 1789
26 August 1789
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