August Decrees of 1789

Artwork was produced and medallions struck to commemorate the event.

Paris Mayor Jean-Sylvain Bailly declared that 'gthe National Assembly achieved more for the people in a few hours than the wisest and most enlightened nations had done for many centuries'.

The August Decrees created fundamental change across the breadth of the nation. They stripped away the domination and privilege of the nobility, creating a society based on individualism, equality and merit.

Abolition of tithes reduced Church income and drew the peasantry more directly into the Revolution.

The response from the revolutionaries was as euphoric as the mood in the Assembly on August 4th.

The Duke of Aiguillon and the Viscount de Noailles were assigned to propose renunciation of selected feudal dues.

Liberal deputies from the Breton Club (the forerunner to the Jacobin movement) believed the peasants could only be calmed by a grand gesture from the Assembly, such as a partial surrender of feudal rights.

Deputies feared the Great Fear would spread and threaten property, increasing pressure for a political response.

With no means of suppressing the peasants by force, the Assembly's only avenue was to pacify them.

The August Decrees abolished tithes and other privileges, drawing the peasantry more directly into the Revolution.

Any kind of tithes, as well as any substitution for them are abolished. All seigneurial justices are abolished with no compensation.

It was reportedly prompted by the reading of a report on the misery and disorder which prevailed in the provinces.

Selling judicial and municipal offices is abolished, justice should be dispensed freely and all such magistrates are to do their duty until further instructions from the National Assembly.

The National Assembly declares the feudal system abolished. The August Decrees pave the way for the National Assembly to make the Declaration of the Rights of Man.

The abolition of the feudal system took place during the famous night session of the National Assembly on August 4th 1789.

The report declares that 'g Letters from all the provinces indicate that property of all kinds is a prey to the most criminal violence. on all sides chateaux are being burned, convents destroyed, and farms abandoned to pillage.

This record states: The taxes, the feudal dues, all are extinct. the laws are without force, and the magistrates without authority." With the hope of pacifying and encouraging the people, the Assembly, in a fervour of enthusiasm and excitement.

This record states: straightway abolished many of the ancient abuses.

Crowds of women appear in front of the King who then accepts the August decrees.

Forces Louis to oppose the abolition of feudalism and the restricting of Royal powers.

Forces Louis to oppose the abolition of feudalism and the restricting of Royal powers.