The Feuillant Club was set up by Lafayette in 1791, with most members being those who had split from the more radical Jacobin Club. It was a moderate political club which believed that France should have a constitutional monarchy, in the style of Britain. As such, they were relatively sympathetic to the King, although they did not trust him after the Flight to Varennes, and to the royal family in general. Nevertheless, they believed in the core ideals of the Revolution, namely the liberty and equality of the general people and the political representation of the populace in government.

The Feuillants composed the King’s ministry during 1791, and supported the Constitution of 1791, despite its flaws. They were later dismissed and replaced by the Girondins in 1792, following growing popular support for the war against Austria and Prussia, and rapidly declining support for the King and any monarchical power. The Feuillants were thereby perceived to be royalists, in comparison to the more radical parties, despite their belief in liberal ideals, with most member of the Feuillant Club emigrating to neighbouring nations like Switzerland.

See Also

Lafayette