French Revolution- The August Decrees/ Declaration of the Rights of Man

When were the August Decrees declared?

4th August to 11th August (after the Great Fear)

Policies in the August Decrees-

All banalities abolished without compensation, all seigneurial courts abolished, abolition of venality, all citizens pay the same tax on everything, tithes abolished, all citizens eligible for all professions (ecclesiastical, civilian, military)

Why were the August Decrees passed?

In direct response to the Great Fear, the unrest, violence and refusal to pay taxes hurt royal finances. The NCA were offended by destruction of property (they considered property sacrosanct) --> The NCA pass the August Decrees to fix this (it spirals into much more reform than originally intended 'orgy of self-sacrifice')

Louis XVIs reaction to the August Decrees and Declaration of the Rights of Man

He used his suspensive veto on them on September 15th, delay them for up to 4yrs

Overall signficance of the August Decrees-

They made major changes to the ways of the Ancien Regime and put them in LAW. They were very radical. It had a tangible effect on the tax burden faced by peasants.

Initial vs Eventual reaction to the August Decrees

Initially they were widely celebrated by peasants who thought they were now free from seigneurialism and the cahiers complaints had been achieved vs realisation that you had to pay for some freedoms from seigneurs

Limits on the impact of the August Decrees-

Seigneurial feudalism wasn't actually abolished until 1793, the champart (one of the most hated feudal dues) was not abolished without compensation (most peasants could not afford the compensation) because the NCA protected it due to its ties to landownership. Louis opposed them on Sept 15th 1789 with his suspensive veto.

When was the Declaration of the Rights of Man passed?

August 26th

Why was the DM passed?

As preamble to the NCA's new constitution, to outline new rights, fulfilling the demands of the cahiers (The concept was thought up BEFORE the Bastille/Great Fear)

What was the DM influenced by?

The American Declaration of Independence (Thomas Jefferson helped Lafayette to draft the DM), The Enlightenment (separation of powers, natural rights, equality, freedom of speech/press, social contract, sovereignty of the nation, rule of law)

Was there complete agreement within the NCA over the DM?

No, they disagreed on whether or not it was necessary, what form it should take etc

What individuals were involved in drafting the DM?

Lafayette, Thomas Jefferson, Mirabeau, Talleyrand, Sieyes

Main declarations within the DM-

Natural right to freedom and equality, property rights (property is sacrosanct), sovereignty of nation/consent of the governed/social contract, all citizens have a right to be involved in the formation of law, all citizens eligible for all positions in society (meritocracy), legal rights (trial, equal treatment), religious tolerance, separation of powers

Overall significance of the DM-

It was significant as it was a big shift from the Ancien Regime which had zero protection of rights.

Limits on the significance of the DM-

Louis XVI refused his assent until October 5th so they lacked legitimacy for a time, they still benefited mainly the bourgeoisie and property owner rights