1. Aim: Explain how the National Assembly changed France’s Government

2. The Assembly Reforms France
August 4, 1789: Motivated by fear, nobleman joined other members of the National Assembly
Swept away the feudal privileges of the First and Second Estates
Made commoners equal to nobles and the clergy
Adopted “The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizens”
Document influenced by Dec. of Independence
Stated that “men are born and remain free & equal in rights”
Rights included “liberty, property, security, & resistance to oppression”
Assembly took over church lands
Declared that church officials would be elected
Proceeds from sale of Church property went to pay off France’s debt 2

3. Divisions Develop
1791: Delegates made significant changes in France’s government & society
National Assembly completed the new constitution
Created a limited constitutional monarchy
Stripped the king of much of his authority
New constitution creates new legislative body
Called Legislative Assembly
Had the power to create laws & to approve or reject declarations of war
King still held executive power 3

4. Factions Split France In new government, problems still existed
Included food shortages, & government debt
Question in how to deal with problems caused Legislative Assembly to split into 3 general groups
1) Radicals: Opposed idea of a monarchy
2) Moderates: Wanted some changes in government
3) Conservatives: Upheld idea of a limited monarchy & wanted few changes in government 4