June Uprising book

Dissertation Overview

Title: The Uprising of June 20, 1792

Author: Laura B. Pfeiffer

Presented to: Faculty of the Academic College of the University of NebraskaDegree: Doctor of Philosophy

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska, 1913

Contents Overview

Chapter I: Introduction

Focus: The struggle between King Louis XVI and the French people, emphasizing the evolving relationship between the monarchy and the republic and the rising discontent among the populace.

Chapter II: The Decrees of the Assembly

Chapter III: The Fall of the Girondist Ministry

Chapter IV: The Feuillant Ministry

Chapter V: The 20th of June

Notable Sections: In-depth analysis of the planning and execution of the uprising, examining the roles of political factions and public sentiment leading up to the event.

Key Themes and Concepts

Introduction

Context: This section provides crucial background on the strife between Louis XVI and the French populace, noting the significant shift in public perception of the monarchy from viewing Louis XVI as a well-meaning sovereign to a figure of resistance against essential reforms. The gradual erosion of trust in the king's commitment to reform is highlighted, setting the stage for public unrest.Significance: The uprising is presented as a pivotal event that catalyzed the transition towards greater republicanism in France. It signifies not only the decline of monarchical authority but also the emergence of a more participatory political culture among the citizenry.

The Decrees of the Assembly

Conflict Sparked: The Assembly's series of decrees aimed at enhancing public safety directly provoked escalating tensions with Louis XVI. His ensuing attempts to veto these crucial measures reflected his reluctance to surrender power, particularly regarding reforms aimed at redefining the role of the monarchy and church.

Key Decrees:

• Decree Against Non-Juring Priests: This decree sought to limit the influence of priests who refused to comply with the civil constitution, catalyzing outrage among religious factions.

• Decree for the Dissolution of the King's Guard: A significant step that symbolized the diminishing power of the king's protection and his loss of control over the military.

• Decree Calling for 20,000 Federes for Defense: This reflected the assembly's growing resolve to assert its power and mobilize citizens in defense of the revolutionary cause.

The Dismissal of the Girondist Ministry

Girondist's Role: The Girondists played a crucial role in advocating for reforms and guiding public opinion towards governmental support. However, their urging of the king to endorse crucial decrees resulted in their political downfall and the eventual dismissal by Louis XVI.

Public Response: The dismissal sparked widespread indignation among various factions of the populace, leading to fervent demands for the ministry's recall and marked a turning point in public attitudes towards government authority.

The Uprising of June 20, 1792

Planning and Intent: A complex interplay of long-standing grievances fueled the uprising, characterized by both spontaneous protests and organized leadership by radical figures in the faubourgs. The social dynamics at play included class conflict, revolutionary ideals, and the aspirations of the working class.Feuilliants and Girondins Roles: The divergent paths of the Feuilliants, who sought to maintain a constitutional monarchy, and the more radical Girondins created fractures within revolutionary leadership, complicating the movement’s objectives and alliances.Execution of Protest: Citizens’ intentions extended beyond mere rebellion; their actions aimed primarily at presenting petitions, challenging the king’s authority, and re-affirming revolutionary ideals through symbolic acts such as planting a liberty tree, reinforcing their connection to the revolutionary cause.

The Crowd's Actions and King’s Response

Eruption into the Tuileries: Driven by a combination of loyalty and anger, the crowd's entry into the Tuileries Palace symbolized a tipping point in the constitutional crisis. The citizens demanded respect from the king, signifying their expectation of adherence to constitutional principles.King's Position: Louis XVI's initial response was one of reassurance, emphasizing his commitment to uphold the constitution. However, his duality of intent raised doubts among the populace regarding his sincerity.Cries for Change: The crowd’s passionate demands for the withdrawal of vetoes and the recall of ministers underscored the growing divide between the king and his subjects, further cultivating a revolutionary atmosphere.

The King Takes the Red Cap: This moment illustrated a level of coercion within the monarchy-populace relationship, symbolizing a forced acknowledgment of the revolution and the sharp tensions present in society as well as a precarious loyalty.

Aftermath of the Uprising

Political Response: The differing reactions among Petion and assembly members depicted the entrenched political divisions and fears surrounding public uprisings versus adherence to established law. The varied stances on public unrest revealed underlying tensions in republican aspirations.Political and Social Impact: The events of June 20 marked a notable decline in trust towards the monarchy and catalyzed a surge in civic engagement and preparedness among the citizenry to pursue drastic actions in the defense of their rights, contributing to a more radical political climate.

Concluding Thoughts

Uprising's Legacy: The uprising is framed not merely as an episode of chaos but as a methodically structured response to persistent political disillusionment with the king's refusal to enact meaningful reforms. The king's inability to adapt ultimately resulted in profound political shifts in France, culminating in the seismic upheaval of August 10, 1792, and foreshadowing the radical changes that would reshape French society in the years to come.