9 July 1789

On 9 July 1789, the National Assembly in France reconstituted itself as the National Constituent Assembly, which was to last until its dissolution in September 30, 1791.

Here the people (or the representatives thereof) were starting to take control of their lives. They were sick of their "betters" telling them what to do. The changes they wanted to make were minor in their view but radical in the view of their rulers. Into this gap of understanding, the revolution was born.

Ideas that were imperfectly realised in the USA were to blossom in France. Mistakes were certainly made. These were extraordinary days for ordinary people.