How Far Was the Passing of the August Decrees in 1789 Caused by Ideas of the Enlightenment?

The passing of the August Decrees in 1789 marked a turning point in the French Revolution, sweeping away centuries-old feudal structures and privileges. While the influence of Enlightenment ideals is evident in the content of the decrees, their enactment was ultimately driven by a complex interplay of factors, with the immediate pressures of social unrest and political expediency playing a more significant role than the abstract principles of the philosophes.

Undoubtedly, the August Decrees reflect key tenets of Enlightenment thought. The abolition of feudalism, with its inherent inequality and arbitrary distribution of power, resonated with the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, individual liberty, and meritocracy. Thinkers like John Locke had long argued against the divine right of kings and the entrenched privileges of the nobility. The decrees' attack on these institutions, including the suppression of tithes paid to the often-criticized Church, aligns with the Enlightenment's critique of traditional hierarchies and its advocacy for a more just and equitable society.

Furthermore, the role of individuals like the Duc d'Aiguillon, exposed to Enlightenment thought during his time in America, suggests a direct link between these ideas and the decrees. D'Aiguillon, alongside other liberal nobles, championed the dismantling of feudalism, demonstrating the persuasive power of Enlightenment principles within segments of the French aristocracy. The decrees' vision of a society where individual rights, equality, and merit trumped birthright seemed to herald the dawn of a new era shaped by Enlightenment ideals.

However, attributing the August Decrees solely to the Enlightenment overlooks the crucial role of the tumultuous events of 1789. The storming of the Bastille on July 14th triggered a wave of unrest that swept across France. The "Great Fear," characterized by peasant uprisings and attacks on noble estates, created a climate of fear and uncertainty, particularly among the property-owning members of the National Assembly. Faced with the potential collapse of order and the very real threat of continued violence, the Assembly found itself backed into a corner. The August Decrees, in this context, were less a product of philosophical conviction and more a desperate attempt to quell the unrest and restore stability.

The Breton Club, recognizing the explosive situation, understood that only a dramatic gesture could placate the peasantry and avert further chaos. The decrees, with their sweeping reforms, served this purpose. By sacrificing feudal privileges, the Assembly aimed to appease the peasantry and regain control. This interpretation suggests that the Assembly, under duress, might have gone further than initially intended, driven by the pragmatic need to survive the crisis rather than philosophical purity.

In conclusion, while the August Decrees undoubtedly reflect the influence of Enlightenment ideals, their passage was primarily driven by the exigencies of the revolutionary situation. The "Great Fear" and the potential for escalating violence forced the National Assembly's hand, leading them to enact radical reforms to appease the populace and restore order. The Enlightenment provided the intellectual framework for a more just and equitable society, but it was the immediate threat of anarchy that ultimately propelled the Assembly to act as decisively as they did. The August Decrees, therefore, represent a convergence of Enlightenment thought and revolutionary necessity, with the latter proving to be the decisive factor.

**Bibliography**

Doyle, William. *The Oxford History of the French Revolution*. Oxford University Press, 2018.
Schama, Simon. *Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution*. Vintage, 1989.