23.2: Revolution Brings Reform and Terror KEY IDEA The revolutionary government of France made reforms but also used terror and violence to retain power. Supporting Question Document: Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

IV. Great Fear Sweeps the Nation Rebellion Great Fear—wave of violent attacks peasants burn nobles’ houses  destroy tax and feudal documents women storm Palace - demand king move to Paris to force change

I. Nat’l Assembly First Steps abolished feudalism “Declaration of the Rights of Man”  all French men equal rights (women excluded) cut power of the Church - sell all land  pay off debt - Church under state control  Cath peasants oppose king and queen scared  try to escape - caught and placed under house arrest [popularity decreases]

II. Limited Monarchy Legislative Assembly new constitution  king very little power given lawmaking power divisions w/in lead to opposing groups - conservatives  “British style” monarchy - radicals  no monarchy - center  some gov’t changes

WAR AND EXTREME MEASURES War with Austria French [spread rev to other countries] vs. Austria and Prussia [keep abs monarchs] war starts  rumors Fr. may lose National Convention formed - replaced Leg. Assembly

Radicals Execute the King mobs made up of the poor form Jacobins (most radical club) promote violence Nat’l Conv abolished monarchy  Fr gov’t a republic - sentenced to death [traitor]  beheaded by guillotine [efficient and humane]

“I am innocent and shall die without fear “I am innocent and shall die without fear. I would that my death might bring happiness to the French, and ward off the dangers which I foresee.” -Louis XVI

II. Robespierre Assumes Control Reign of Terror (Sept. 1793 – July 1794) goal: build gov’t of virtue  erase past leader of the Committee of Public Safety - pseudo-dictator - executed Marie Antoinette executes rival groups - ~ 40,000 (70-85% peasants  not “radical” enough)

“Don’t forget to show my head to the people. It’s well worth seeing” “Don’t forget to show my head to the people. It’s well worth seeing” -Georges Danton

End of the Terror public opinion shifted - too many killed - bread prices still too high public turned on Robes. - Nat’l Conv and people feared him - guillotined along w/ 103 followers moderate members of Nat’l Convention draft new constitution - favored upper-middle class (bourgeoisie) - 2 house legislature - 5 person executive branch (The Directory) …Napoleon Bonaparte