V. The Modern Period, 1789–1914 > B. The French Revolution and Europe, 1789–1914 > 1. Overview > b. The National Assembly > 1790, Sept. 4
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  The Encyclopedia of World History.  2001.
 
 
1790, Sept. 4
 
Necker resigned, and Mirabeau, in an alliance with the court, endeavored to save the monarchy. Mirabeau died on April 2, 1791.  1
 
1791, June 14
 
Le Chapelier Law outlawed all workers' coalitions, including cooperatives and associations. In effect, it attempted to destroy remnants of the guild system still extant. It also demonstrated the commitment of the new government to recognize only one type of property—land—and to further economic individualism. It was extended to agricultural workers and servants on July 20.  2
 
June 20–25
 
The king and his family fled, hoping to reach the northeast frontier and the protection of loyalist troops. They were recognized and stopped at Varennes, and then brought back to Paris.  3
 
Aug. 27
 
Declaration of Pillnitz, signed by Frederick William II of Prussia and Leopold II, the emperor (r. 1790–92, succeeded by Francis II), stated that the two rulers would intervene in French affairs only with unanimous consent of the powers, including Great Britain.  4
 
Sept. 3
 
CONSTITUTION OF 1791 was ratified on Sept. 13 by the king, who swore an oath of allegiance to the assembly on Sept. 14. One legislative chamber held the sole right to initiate laws; the king could delay measures only through veto. Old provinces and provincial parlements were abolished, replaced by 83 departments (a move for uniformity and centralization). Abolition of aristocracy confirmed. The constitution distinguished between active (voting) and passive citizens. Only males were considered to be citizens. Passive citizens had to have been born to French parents or born in France. In order to become active citizens, passive citizens had to take a civic oath, be 25 years of age, and pay a tax equivalent to three days' wages. Voters had to be on the rolls of the National Guard and could not be Jewish. The last provision was waived on Sept. 27, 1791. Active citizens chose electors who elected representatives for a two-year term in the legislature. Officers of the departments and districts were selected from the electors, whereas municipal officers and judges were selected from the active citizens. The constitution also required clerics to take a civic oath and dissolved all ecclesiastical orders except those having to do with education and care of the sick.  5
 
Sept. 30
 
The assembly was dissolved after voting that none of its members should be eligible for election to the next assembly.  6
 
 
 
The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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