‘In the months of May to September 1792, it was the sans-culottes, rather than the deputies in the Assembly and Convention, that brought an end to monarchy in France.’ Assess the validity of this view.
Level
A Level
Year Examined
2022
Topic
France in Revolution, 1774-1815
👑Complete Model Essay
‘In the months of May to September 1792, it was the sans-culottes, rather than the deputies in the Assembly and Convention, that brought an end to monarchy in France.’ Assess the validity of this view.
The Sans-Culottes: Agents of Revolution or Instruments of Change?
The assertion that the sans-culottes, rather than the deputies in the Assembly and Convention, brought an end to monarchy in France between May and September 1792, while compelling, requires nuanced analysis. While the sans-culottes played a crucial role in shaping the course of the revolution during this period, attributing the downfall of the monarchy solely to their actions overlooks the complex interplay of forces at play.
Firstly, the sans-culottes, the working class of Parisian artisans and laborers, were indeed a potent force driving the revolution. Their radical demands for economic justice and political representation, fueled by the escalating economic crisis and the perceived betrayal of the monarchy, fueled a climate of unrest. The storming of the Tuileries Palace in August 1792, a defining moment in the abolition of the monarchy, was largely driven by the sans-culottes. They demonstrated their power through street demonstrations, public executions, and pressure on the Assembly, demanding action against the perceived enemies of the revolution. This active participation in the revolutionary process undeniably contributed to the monarch's demise.
However, attributing the downfall solely to the sans-culottes ignores the crucial role played by the deputies in the Assembly and Convention. It was the Assembly, through its radical decrees and policies, that weakened the monarchy and emboldened the sans-culottes. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen, the abolition of feudalism, and the creation of a constitutional monarchy all eroded the authority of the King and fueled revolutionary fervor. Moreover, the Convention, which declared France a republic, was composed of elected deputies, many of whom came from the radical factions supported by the sans-culottes. The deputies, therefore, provided the legal and political framework for the overthrow of the monarchy, laying the groundwork for the sans-culottes' actions.
Furthermore, it is crucial to acknowledge the role of external factors in the downfall of the monarchy. The threat of foreign intervention, particularly from Austria and Prussia, created a sense of national crisis and fueled the desire for a strong and unified republic. The war itself, declared in April 1792, further weakened the King and strengthened the revolutionary faction, leading to the events of August 10th.
Ultimately, the end of monarchy was a culmination of various factors. While the sans-culottes played a crucial role in driving the revolution forward, their actions were built upon the foundations laid by the deputies in the Assembly and Convention. Their power was also fueled by the economic crisis, the threat of foreign intervention, and the desire for a more equitable and democratic society. Attributing the downfall solely to the sans-culottes simplifies a complex historical event and ignores the intricate interplay of political, social, and economic factors at play.
Therefore, to claim that the sans-culottes were the sole agents in ending monarchy in France from May to September 1792 is an oversimplification. While their role was undeniably crucial, a more accurate assessment acknowledges the interplay of forces, the crucial decisions of the deputies, and the external pressures that culminated in the demise of the monarchy and the rise of the French Republic.
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The Sans-Culottes: Agents of Revolution or Instruments of Change?
The assertion that the sans-culottes, rather than the deputies in the Assembly and Convention, brought an end to monarchy in France between May and September 1792, while compelling, requires nuanced analysis. While the sans-culottes played a crucial role in shaping the course of the revolution during this period, attributing the downfall of the monarchy solely to their actions overlooks the complex interplay of forces at play.
Firstly, the sans-culottes, the working class of Parisian artisans and laborers, were indeed a potent force driving the revolution. Their radical demands for economic justice and political representation, fueled by the escalating economic crisis and the perceived betrayal of the monarchy, fueled a climate of unrest. The storming of the Tuileries Palace in August 1792, a defining moment in the abolition of the monarchy, was largely driven by the sans-culottes. They demonstrated their power through street demonstrations, public executions, and pressure on the Assembly, demanding action against the perceived enemies of the revolution. This active participation in the revolutionary process undeniably contributed to the monarch's demise.
However, attributing the downfall solely to the sans-culottes ignores the crucial role played by the deputies in the Assembly and Convention. It was the Assembly, through its radical decrees and policies, that weakened the monarchy and emboldened the sans-culottes. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen, the abolition of feudalism, and the creation of a constitutional monarchy all eroded the authority of the King and fueled revolutionary fervor. Moreover, the Convention, which declared France a republic, was composed of elected deputies, many of whom came from the radical factions supported by the sans-culottes. The deputies, therefore, provided the legal and political framework for the overthrow of the monarchy, laying the groundwork for the sans-culottes' actions.
Furthermore, it is crucial to acknowledge the role of external factors in the downfall of the monarchy. The threat of foreign intervention, particularly from Austria and Prussia, created a sense of national crisis and fueled the desire for a strong and unified republic. The war itself, declared in April 1792, further weakened the King and strengthened the revolutionary faction, leading to the events of August 10th.
Ultimately, the end of monarchy was a culmination of various factors. While the sans-culottes played a crucial role in driving the revolution forward, their actions were built upon the foundations laid by the deputies in the Assembly and Convention. Their power was also fueled by the economic crisis, the threat of foreign intervention, and the desire for a more equitable and democratic society. Attributing the downfall solely to the sans-culottes simplifies a complex historical event and ignores the intricate interplay of political, social, and economic factors at play.
Therefore, to claim that the sans-culottes were the sole agents in ending monarchy in France from May to September 1792 is an oversimplification. While their role was undeniably crucial, a more accurate assessment acknowledges the interplay of forces, the crucial decisions of the deputies, and the external pressures that culminated in the demise of the monarchy and the rise of the French Republic.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Arguments Supporting the Sans-Culottes' Role in Ending the Monarchy
Arguments supporting the view that the sans-culottes, rather than the deputies, brought an end to monarchy in France during May to September 1792, might include:
⭐Growing Sans-Culotte Influence: The sans-culottes' influence increased as the war went badly for France, leading to high bread prices and unemployment. Their grievances were directed at the monarchy, seen as colluding with the enemy.
⭐The Arrival of the Féderés: The arrival of the féderés in Paris in June strengthened the sans-culottes. The féderés, lacking respect for the monarchy, ignored the King's veto, provided soldiers and arms, and pushed the National Guard towards a more revolutionary, anti-monarchy stance.
⭐Radical Journées: The sans-culottes organized two significant journées. The first, on June 20th, humbled the King with an 8,000-strong demonstration, forcing even moderate Girondins to accept his demise. The second, on August 10th, involving 20,000 sans-culottes and 20,000 féderés/National Guardsmen, led to the massacre of the King's Swiss Guard, effectively removing him from power.
⭐Emboldening Extreme Politicians: The sans-culotte actions emboldened more radical politicians like Robespierre, who declared for a Republic in July.
⭐Constant Pressure on Deputies: The sans-culottes met almost continuously in Parisian sections from July to September, putting constant pressure on the deputies.
⭐Dominance in the September Massacres: The sans-culottes were the dominant force behind the insurrectionary commune, while the deputies were powerless during the sans-culotte led September massacres.
⭐Controlled Elections: The sans-culottes even influenced elections, preventing any Girondins from being elected in Paris.
⭐Republic Declaration: The new Convention declared a Republic on September 2nd in response to sans-culotte pressure.
Arguments Challenging the Sans-Culottes' Role
Arguments challenging the view that the sans-culottes, rather than the deputies, brought an end to monarchy might include:
⭐Deputies' Role in Pushing Louis: The deputies were responsible for pushing Louis into an untenable position by passing decrees against refractory priests and the King's Guard, and by allowing a féderé camp that the King was bound to oppose.
⭐Girondin Ministers and the Power Vacuum: Girondin ministers pressured the King, who could only dismiss them, creating a power vacuum.
⭐Deputies Retaining Initiative: Deputies retained the initiative when faced with sans-culotte pressure.
⭐Limited Aims of the First Journée: The first journée had limited aims (anti-vetoes and pro-reinstatement of pro-war ministers), and the mobs withdrew when Louis appeared in a bonnet rouge.
⭐Robespierre's Leadership: Robespierre, a deputy, led the demands for a republic and electoral change, uninfluenced by mob action.
⭐Brunswick Manifesto and Deputial Control: The Brunswick Manifesto, which threatened vengeance against the King, fueled demands for a republic. However, after the second journée, the deputies quickly regained control.
⭐Deputies' Declaration of Suspension: The deputies declared the King "temporarily suspended," ignoring calls for his overthrow.
⭐Amendment of Voting System: Deputies chose to amend the voting system.
⭐Danton's Appointment: Deputies made Danton Minister of Justice and established a committee as the executive.
⭐Legal Implementation of Revolutionary Measures: Deputies ensured elections and the creation of the National Convention, and legally implemented revolutionary measures.
⭐Deputies' Declaration of the Republic: The deputies declared a Republic on September 2nd, ending the monarchy, not the sans-culottes.
⭐Non-political Nature of September Massacres: The September massacres were not primarily politically motivated.
Conclusion
Students must weigh the evidence and make a judgment on who was ultimately directing policy – the deputies or the sans-culottes. Both groups sought to curtail monarchical power, with some deputies aiming for its complete destruction. Whether the monarchy's fall was led by the deputies or forced by the action of the sans-culottes is a matter of interpretation, requiring careful consideration of the available evidence.