An evaluation of the reasons for the failure of constitutional monarchy, up to 1792

Weak Leadership and Poor Decision Making

King Louis XVI’s inability to make decisions: Louis XVI’s lackadaisical rule proved detrimental in running a constitutional monarchy. His inability to take firm decisions at crucial times often led to confusion and mismanagement.
Failed attempts to flee and regain control: Louis XVI’s covert attempt to escape, infamously known as the Flight to Varennes, undermined his credibility and trustworthiness. This act spelled doom for the constitutional monarchy as it turned public sentiment against the King.

Political Conflict and Power Struggle

Deep-rooted ideological differences: Conservatives wanted to preserve the king’s authority, while radicals sought a republic. This ideological dispute led to a deep political divide, making a constitutional monarchy unviable.
Jacobins’ rise to power: The radical left-wing Jacobins’ rise to power led to the suspension of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic. This shift drastically changed the political landscape and undermined the constitutional monarchy.

Economic Crisis and Social Unrest

Persistent economic problems: The constitutional monarchy could not solve the economic issues that kicked off the Revolution. Excessive taxation and rising food prices continued to plague the populace, thus fuelling social unrest.
Civil unrest and the Great Fear: Fear and panic caused by the perception of a ‘noble conspiracy’ to starve or horrify the population led to attacks on property and authority figures. This undermined the stability and authority of the monarchy.

Influence of External Entities and War

External influence of European monarchies: Other European monarchies perceived the Revolutionary government as a threat to their own power, leading to international conflict.
Declaration of war on Austria: France’s 1792 war with Austria further aggravated the political crisis and hastened the downfall of the constitutional monarchy.

Remember that the downfall of the constitutional monarchy was an outcome of interconnected factors and events. Each contributed in their own unique way, creating a domino effect leading to the eventual fall of the constitutional monarchy in 1792.