Final answer:
In 1789, the National Assembly abolished feudalism, issued the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, curtailed the king's absolutist powers, and worked on creating a constitution, representing a significant shift towards democratic reform influenced by Enlightenment ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1789, the National Assembly took several significant actions as part of the French Revolution. First, they abolished the vestiges of feudalism and serfdom, marking a clear departure from the traditional social hierarchy. Inspired by the ideals of the Enlightenment, the National Assembly then drafted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, an influential document that proclaimed natural rights such as liberty, property, and outlined principles like equality before the law, freedom of expression, and the necessity of representative government.
Furthermore, to curb the power of the monarchy, the National Assembly took steps to curtail Louis XVI's absolutist powers, moving towards establishing a constitutional monarchy. This process included the creation of the Constitution of 1791, which was developed in the spirit of ensuring that sovereignty resided with the nation rather than the monarch. A newly formed Legislative Assembly was entrusted to govern France, leading to legislative reform and changing the political landscape towards a more democratic system.
In summation, the National Assembly's actions in 1789 encapsulate a period of radical political transformation, which included promoting basic human rights, revising the structure of governance, diminishing the king's authority, and working towards a constitution that reflected the nation's collective will.