1- To what extent did the reforms of the Assembly, 1789–1791, meet the needs of the people?

Paragraph 1: Political and Legal Reforms

  • Point:
    The reforms of the National Assembly between 1789 and 1791 substantially addressed the political and legal demands of many French citizens by establishing a constitutional monarchy, equality before the law, and dismantling the old judicial system.

  • Evidence #1:
    Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (August 1789) guaranteed liberty, equality, and fraternity as foundational principles.

  • Evidence #2:
    The Constitution of 1791 limited the king’s power with the suspensory veto and established a legislative assembly elected by property-owning males.

  • Evidence #3:
    Judicial reforms abolished arbitrary royal courts, introduced elected judges, public trials, and the guillotine as a humane execution method.

Paragraph 2: Economic and Social Reforms

  • Point:
    The economic and social reforms of the Assembly partially met the needs of the people, benefiting some groups like the bourgeoisie and peasants but leaving many urban poor and workers dissatisfied.

  • Evidence #1:
    August 1789 abolition of feudal dues and privileges responded to peasant demands for relief from feudal burdens.

  • Evidence #2:
    Assignats issued against Church lands helped fund the state but caused inflation, worsening conditions for the poor.

  • Evidence #3:
    Le Chapelier Law (1791) banned trade unions and strikes, undermining workers' ability to protect their interests, alienating artisans and laborers.

Paragraph 3: Religious Reforms

  • Point:
    The Assembly’s religious reforms deeply divided the nation, meeting the needs of secular and reformist citizens but alienating devout Catholics, especially peasants, thus failing to unify the country.

  • Evidence #1:
    Nationalization of Church property (Nov 1789) and abolition of tithes reduced Church’s economic power.

  • Evidence #2:
    Civil Constitution of the Clergy (July 1790) required elections of clergy and loyalty oaths, causing a schism between 'juring' and 'refractory' priests.

  • Evidence #3:
    Widespread refusal to take the oath (only 7 of 160 bishops complied) and papal condemnation created religious unrest and alienated rural populations.