National Assembly Quote by Hilaire Belloc
““The King yielded, and on the 27th, two days later, ordered the three Houses to meet together. The National Assembly was now legally constituted, and set out upon its career. The Crown, the old centre of authority, had abandoned its position, and had confirmed the Revolution, but in doing so it had acted as it were in contradiction with itself. It had made technically legal an illegality which destroyed its own old legal position, but it had done so with ill-will, and it was evident that some counter-stroke would be attempted to restore the full powers of the Crown.””
About This Quote
Source Historical: French Revolution, National Assembly formation, 1791
The monarchy tried to legitimize the new assembly while undermining its own authority, creating a paradoxical legal contradiction.
In simple terms: Crown tried to legalize a revolution that weakened its own power.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when institutions act against their own interests.
Themes
politics
law
revolution
authority
paradox
Mood
tense
critical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- government reform
- legal challenges
- institutional change
Key Concepts
legitimacy
constitutional crisis
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a state balance reform with preserving legitimacy?
- What risks arise when a ruler undermines its own authority?
A Different Perspective
The Crown’s actions may provoke backlash and attempts to restore its power.
![“For no one, in our long decline,So dusty, spiteful and divided,Had quite such pleasant friends as mine,Or loved them half as much as I did. [stanza 3]The library was most inviting:The books upon the crowded shelvesWere mainly of our private writing:We kept a school and taught ourselves. [stanza…” quote by Hilaire Belloc](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/913/hilaire-belloc-2294_book_for-no-one-in-our-long-decline-so-dusty_140002.jpg)
