As the revolution progressed, a war began between France and Austria.
Who were the moderates?
The moderates comprised of many different types of people but they were largely from these two groups.
- They feared the radicalization of the Revolution, thinking it would result in the destruction of the monarchy and of private property.
- Opposed the democratic movement, and upheld (supported) the constitutional monarchy.
- The Girondins attracted a following of businessmen, merchants, industrialists, and financiers.
- They supported foreign war as a means to unite the people behind the cause of the Revolution.
- They supported a constitutional monarchy.
(Brinton, C. page 122)
The French Constitution
Why the moderates were forced from power?
- It is important to understand that the monarchy had a great deal of support across the country, from Catholics who believed in Louis’ divine right to rule, to nationalists who believed in France. There were even revolutionaries who wanted Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette to continue their roles as monarchs, albeit with a lot less power than before 1789. Louis had demonstrated his support for the revolution too.
- But the moderates were not able to solve all the problems of France immediately, the bread prices were still high for example.
(Brinton, C. page 122)
- The radicals believed the moderates were not doing enough to change the country, possibly even trying to stop the revolution.