What were the major legislative changes during the French Revolution?

During the French Revolution, there were several major legislative changes that had a profound impact on the political, social, and economic landscape of France. These changes can be categorized into three main phases: the National Assembly, the Legislative Assembly, and the National Convention.

1. National Assembly (1789-1791):
- The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen: This document, adopted in August 1789, proclaimed the fundamental rights and freedoms of the French citizens, including equality before the law, freedom of speech, and the right to property.
- Abolition of Feudalism: The National Assembly abolished the feudal system, which had been a source of social inequality and privilege. Feudal dues, serfdom, and other feudal obligations were abolished, and the lands of the Church and nobility were confiscated and redistributed.
- Civil Constitution of the Clergy: This legislation, passed in 1790, aimed to bring the Catholic Church under state control. It required the clergy to take an oath of loyalty to the state, confiscated Church lands, and reorganized the Church hierarchy.

2. Legislative Assembly (1791-1792):
- Constitution of 1791: This constitution established a constitutional monarchy, limiting the powers of the king and creating a unicameral legislature. It also granted voting rights to a limited number of male citizens and introduced a system of indirect elections.
- War Measures: The Legislative Assembly declared war on Austria and Prussia in 1792, leading to the outbreak of the French Revolutionary Wars. This decision marked a significant shift in French foreign policy and had far-reaching consequences for the revolution.

3. National Convention (1792-1795):
- Abolition of Monarchy: In September 1792, the National Convention abolished the monarchy and declared France a republic. This marked the end of the Bourbon dynasty and the beginning of a new era in French history.
- Reign of Terror: During the radical phase of the revolution, the National Convention established the Committee of Public Safety and initiated the Reign of Terror. This period, from 1793 to 1794, was characterized by mass executions, political repression, and the centralization of power.
- Constitution of 1793: Although never fully implemented, this constitution was a radical attempt to establish a democratic and egalitarian society. It introduced universal male suffrage, abolished slavery in the French colonies, and proclaimed social rights such as the right to work and education.
- Thermidorian Reaction: In July 1794, the National Convention overthrew Robespierre and ended the Reign of Terror. This marked a shift towards more moderate policies and the establishment of the Directory, a new form of government.

These legislative changes during the French Revolution aimed to dismantle the old regime, establish a more egalitarian society, and redefine the relationship between the state and its citizens. While some of these changes were short-lived or faced opposition, they laid the foundation for the modern French state and influenced political developments in Europe and beyond.