Demands:
The key issue is an assessment of the reasons for the
failure of Louis XVI to solve the problems being faced by different
groups.
The answer should be aware of the time frame given in the question i.e. 1789 – 1793.
The answer should be aware of the time frame given in the question i.e. 1789 – 1793.
Reasons why Louis XVI failed to satisfy the discontented groups.
a) The situation in France had already deteriorated when
Louis XVI came into office. The French treasury had been exhausted by
his predecessors. France was in financial constraints. The system of
government was already in decadence.
b) Personal weaknesses of Louis XVI – He lacked firmness
especially during the Stats-Generax meeting of 1789. His actions from
1789-1793 e.g. the dismissal of Necker, his flight to Varennes, all
acted against him.
c) The influence from his wife Marie Antoinette exacerbated the situation.
d) He faced opposition from the nobles and the clergy
e) Influence from the outside e.g. some other aristocratic
regimes and émigrés-he thought that he was backed by
counter-revolutionaries hence he implemented policies which were clearly
against the revolutionaries.
f) The financial position of France-Louis had no money to
satisfy everyone, he was in financial constraints-the American war of
independence, extravagance of the court, his wife, his predecessors, had
all contributed greatly this failure.
g) Naturally, Louis XVI hated the revolution and this made him not to sympathize with the revolutionaries.
h) The revolutionary spirit in the people’s minds had grown considerably
i) The role of the ‘Parlement’ of Paris in thwarting any meaningful reforms by Louis
XVI. This ‘Parlement’ refused to register support to make valid the king’s edicts.
XVI. This ‘Parlement’ refused to register support to make valid the king’s edicts.
j) His position as absolute monarchy was so closely bound
up with the privileged classes that if their privileges were broken his
own position could have been threatened.
More points can be added
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