Legislative Assembly

Legislative Assembly

https://chnm.gmu.edu/revolution/d/1096/

1096

This body met from 1 October 1791 to 20 September 1792. The deputies were chosen via indirect election and had to face continuing popular unrest and the fact that the executive—Louis XVI—could not be trusted. Since the King appointed ministers and exercised a suspensive veto regularly, the government was often deadlocked, swinging hazardously between dismissed ministers and vetoed initiatives, a fact that added an important impetus to the club movement. The assembly and the King ultimately shared only a desire to go to war with Austria and Prussia, although for different reasons. The assembly wanted to punish monarchs for their support of counterrevolutionaries. Louis XVI was hoping for a war that would enhance his position, either by destroying the Revolution or by showing his skill as commander in chief. War was declaredin March 1792. The continuing obstructions of the King led to the insurrection of 10 August and the overthrow of the monarchy. The Legislative Assembly then called for new elections and voted to disband, leaving a rump of newly appointed ministers to run the war and the government.