Question

Compare and contrast the goals and actions of the leaders of the national assembly (1789-91) with those of the national convention (1792-1795).

Answer 1

The National Constituent Assembly (in French: Assemblée Nationale Constituante), was a revolutionary assembly in France that was formed during the very first years of the French Revolution. It was formed after the National Assembly (not to be confused with the National Constituent Assembly) dissolved. One of its main goals was to solve the economic crisis present in France, however their goals included several ideas from the enlightenment period, which include the following:

• Equality before the law.
• Due Process.
• Natural rights: Liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression.
• Sovereignty would reside in the nation.
• Law is an expression of the general will.
• Freedom of religion.
• Freedom of speech.
• Separation of powers.

Leaders of this assembly included Antoine Barnave, Georges Clemence, Henri Gregoire, Honore Gabriel Riquetti, Maximiliene Robespierre, among others. Despite their efforts, this assembly was not able to establish a democratic entity. It dissolved on 30 September 1791.

The National Convention (in French: Convention Nationale) was formed after the National Constituent Assembly, and the Legislative Assembly. Some of the main goals of this assembly included:

• Determine the character and values of the new French Republic.
• Cease internal and external threats to the revolution, partisan political tensions, and government officials.
• Quell revolutionary violence.
• Resolve the crippling debt crisis.
• Determine the fate of Louis XVI
• Determine whether or not to initiate a conflict with Austria.

One of the main problems within the National Convention was the constant inner conflict between the ideas and beliefs of the 3 main parties that formed the convention, the radical left 'Montagne', the right-wing 'Gironde', and the centrist 'Marais'. Each would have their own agenda and leaders, among which participated Phillipe Ruhl, Jerome Petion de Villeneuve, Jean-Francoix Delacroix, and Jean Baptiste Treilhard. Some leaders from past assemblies were also members, such as Maximiliene Robespierre, which was later arrested by the National Convention.

The convention dissolved in 1795 followed by the Corps Législatif.

I hope this helps. Happy holidays!