Overview
This lecture covers the Civil Constitution of the Clergy during the early French Revolution, focusing on its reforms, goals, and social impact. It highlights how these changes bridged moderate and radical phases of the Revolution.
The Old Regime and Estates
- French society was divided into three estates: First (clergy), Second (nobility), Third (everyone else).
- The Revolution aimed to eliminate privileges of the First and Second Estates.
Early Church Reforms
- Decrees of August 4, 1789 abolished feudal and noble privileges.
- In 1789, the National Assembly confiscated Church property.
- In 1790, religious orders (monks, nuns) were abolished.
- Mandatory church tithes were ended; tithing became voluntary.
Key Features of the Civil Constitution of the Clergy
- The Civil Constitution aimed to turn the Church into a state-controlled institution.
- Bishops and priests were to be elected democratically.
- Clergy were required to swear an oath of allegiance to the French state.
- Standardized pay scales were set for clergy based on their position and congregation.
- Attendance and travel of clergy were regulated by the state.
Goals and Effects of the Reforms
- Reforms sought to address absenteeism, overpayment, and privilege among clergy.
- The Church’s independence was weakened, making it accountable to the state.
- Debate exists over whether these were true liberal reforms, as the Church became regulated, not separated from the state.
Division Among Clergy and Regional Differences
- "Swearing priests" accepted the Civil Constitution and the state oath.
- "Refractory priests" refused the oath and resisted the reforms, valuing Church autonomy.
- Compliance varied regionally, with higher acceptance near Paris and more resistance in outlying areas.
Radicalization and Social Impact
- The reforms marked a shift from moderate to more radical revolutionary policies.
- Regulation of the Church set a precedent for later attacks on religion during the Revolution.
- Radical measures led to social criticism and foreshadowed future conflict and repression.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Estates — social divisions in pre-revolutionary France: clergy, nobility, and commoners.
- Civil Constitution of the Clergy — 1790 law reforming the Catholic Church, aligning it with the state.
- Swearing Priest — clergy who accepted and swore loyalty to the Civil Constitution.
- Refractory Priest — clergy who refused to swear loyalty to the Civil Constitution; seen as resisting state control.
- Tithes — mandatory payments to support the Church abolished in 1790.
- National Assembly — revolutionary body responsible for early reforms.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review previous segments on the French Revolution for context.
- Prepare for discussion on criticism by Edmund Burke in future lectures.