Political Instability in France (1790-1795)
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‘Economic weakness was the main cause of political instability in France between 1790 and 1795’.
ESSAY
I agree that economic weakness was a significant cause of political instability in France between 1790 and 1795. The economic challenges faced by the French government during this period, as detailed in the arguments presented, undoubtedly played a crucial role in creating an environment of turmoil and unrest. The financial crisis caused by falling industrial and agricultural output, declining foreign trade, rising prices, and the mismanagement of the assignats led to widespread discontent among the population. The resulting inflation and food shortages fueled public anger and contributed to social unrest, as seen in events like the sans culottes' invasion of the National Convention.
Additionally, the government's attempts to address economic issues through measures like the Law of the Maximum ultimately backfired, further destabilizing the political landscape. The inability of the authorities to effectively manage the economic situation eroded their legitimacy and sowed the seeds of dissent, leading to the downfall of figures like Robespierre.
However, it is also important to acknowledge that political factors, such as Louis XVI's actions and the subsequent execution of the king, the impact of war and foreign threats, counter-revolutionary uprisings, and the radicalization of politics under the Jacobins, significantly contributed to the political instability during this period. These events created a climate of fear, violence, and polarization that transcended purely economic concerns and played a key role in shaping the course of the French Revolution.
In conclusion, while economic weakness was undoubtedly a major factor in the political instability experienced in France between 1790 and 1795, it is essential to recognize the complex interplay of economic, social, and political factors that contributed to the tumultuous events of the period. A holistic understanding of the French Revolution requires consideration of both economic challenges and broader political dynamics to fully grasp the complexities of this pivotal historical moment.
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"**Economic weakness was the main cause of political instability in France between 1790 and 1795**. How far do you agree with this view?
The following are some possible arguments in support of the viewpoint:
- Industrial and agricultural output fell, foreign trade declined, and prices rose during this time, all of which had a negative impact on government finances.
- They issued assignats, a type of bond based on the value of seized clerical property that evolved into a paper currency, to deal with the issue of national debt and reduce taxation.
- However, due to the government’s lack of control over the amount to be printed, their value grew beyond the confiscated property’s limits, causing inflation.
- Inflation increased between 1791 and 1793, with food prices increasing by 90% but wages only increasing by 80%.
- Poor harvests caused food shortages, which exacerbated inflation, and the assignats became a cause of food riots and public disorder as a result.
- In September 1793, for example, the sans culottes invaded the National Convention, demanding food.
- The Committee of Public Safety (CPS) enacted the Law of the Maximum, which established price and wage controls because they saw hunger and poverty as threats to their position.
- The law, however, increased instability by causing producers to either limit food production or hoard their food stocks in response to the new prices set by law.
- This created shortages and famines, leading the CPS to send troops to arrest farmers and seize crops.
- As a result, resentment grew as the seizures only alleviated food shortages in Paris while exacerbating shortages in other parts of the country.
- All of this undermined the government’s authority and contributed to Robespierre’s and his allies' downfall.
- In December 1794, the Thermidorean government increased inflation even more by abolishing the Maximum and issuing assignats.
- It was replaced by the Directory in November 1795.
The view can be challenged. The notion of constitutional monarchy was eroded by Louis XVI’s often hostile attitude toward political change, leading to his execution in January 1793, which further polarised politics. From 1792, the impact of war and the threat of foreign invasion, combined with counter-revolutionary uprisings, had created a tense political climate. As a result, events like the September Massacres of 1792 and the reign of Terror under the Jacobins occurred. The latter further radicalised French politics and created instability. The Thermidorian Reaction, which took place in 1794, put an end to Jacobin rule but not to political instability. The Jacobins still had support, and disorder broke out in April and May 1795. This led to the ‘White Terror’ against these supporters. Thus, violence rather than any notion of legitimate popular sovereignty was the determinant in politics. Accept any other valid responses."