I am writing a paper on the economic and social influence that lead to the French Revolution. I understand that France was in financial turmoil and Strict Monarch rule, but how did the National assembly play a role and was it vital? What sources would be creditable and just something with good information that I can actually learn from? I would really appreciate your help :)
To understand the role of the National Assembly in the French Revolution, it is important to first grasp the existing economic and social conditions leading up to the revolution.
One significant factor was France's dire financial situation. The country was burdened with a massive national debt caused by extravagant spending, costly wars, and a regressive tax system that placed an unfair burden on the lower classes. Additionally, a series of poor harvests led to soaring food prices and widespread hunger among the common people.
The French society was also divided into three estates. The clergy and nobility enjoyed numerous privileges and exemptions, while the majority of the population, the Third Estate, suffered from heavy taxation, limited political power, and economic inequality. These mounting grievances, along with enlightenment ideas and a desire for political representation, set the stage for the revolution.
In response to the growing unrest, King Louis XVI called for the convening of the Estates-General in 1789. This assembly consisted of representatives from each estate and aimed to address the country's grievances. However, the Third Estate, frustrated by the unequal representation and lack of power, declared itself the National Assembly on June 17, 1789.
The National Assembly played a vital role in the French Revolution for several reasons:
1. The National Assembly was responsible for drafting the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which proclaimed equality, individual rights, and popular sovereignty. This document became a cornerstone of revolutionary ideology and laid the groundwork for future government systems.
2. The Assembly's legislative actions were crucial in initiating significant reforms that challenged the old regime. They abolished feudalism, eliminated noble privileges, and declared all citizens equal before the law.
3. The Assembly executed the process of creating a new constitution. This constitution aimed to establish a constitutional monarchy with limited royal power and legislative representation for the people, ultimately leading to the end of absolute monarchy.
When it comes to credible sources, it is crucial to consult reputable scholarly works and primary sources. Here are a few sources to consider:
1. "The French Revolution: A Very Short Introduction" by William Doyle: This book provides a concise and accessible overview of the French Revolution, including the role of the National Assembly.
2. "The French Revolution: From Enlightenment to Tyranny" by Ian Davidson: This comprehensive work explores the social, economic, and political factors that led to the French Revolution and delves into the role of the National Assembly.
3. "The French Revolution: A Documentary History" edited by Peter M. Jones: This collection of primary sources offers firsthand accounts, speeches, and official documents from the period, enabling a deeper understanding of the National Assembly's role and its impact on the revolution.
Additionally, you can explore academic databases such as JSTOR or Google Scholar to find scholarly articles and research papers on the French Revolution and the National Assembly.
Remember to critically evaluate your sources by assessing their credibility, reliability, and authoritativeness.