The Radical Phase of the French Revolution: EQ: How did the French Revolution change from a revolution about Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity into a quest for blood and revenge?

The New Leaders of France: Girondins In 1791, the Girondins take over the National Assembly. -Moderate in nature -Provoked wars with France’s enemies -Did not want to execute Louis and family -Supported by businessmen, merchants, and gov. officials -Removed from power in 1793-Not Radical Enough Charles Dumouriez Jacques Pierre Brissot

The September Massacres, 1792 Rumors that the anti-revolutionary political prisoners were plotting to break out & attack from the rear the armies defending France, while the Prussians attacked from the front. Buveurs de sang [“drinkers of blood.”] over 1000 killed! It discredited the Revolution among its remaining sympathizers abroad.

The National Convention (September, 1792) Its first act was the formal abolition of the monarchy on September 22, 1792. The Decree of Fraternity - offered French assistance to any subject peoples who wished to overthrow their governments

Louis XVI’s Head (January 21, 1793) The trial of the king was hastened by the discovery in a secret cache of documents. They proved conclusively Louis’ knowledge and encouragement of foreign intervention in the Revolution. The National Convention voted 387 to 334 to execute the monarchs.

Montagnards take charge: Radicalism Montagnards, under the leadership of Jean Paul Marat were elected to power in 1793. -Radical in ideology -Limited rights of people in France -Began to execute “enemies of the revolution” -Supported by the Sans Culottes -Lost their foothold when Marat was assassinated Jean-Paul Marat

The Sans-Culottes: The Parisian Working Class Small shopkeepers. Tradesmen. Artisans. They shared many of the ideals of their middle class representatives in government!

Assassination of Marat Marat was killed by Charlotte Corday in his bathtub, because she sympathized with the Girondins. “The Death of Marat” -Jacques Louis David

Jacobins: The Reign of Terror Begins Took Control after Marat’s death in 1793. -Supported by Sans Culottes -Georges Danton led the moderate movement -Maximilien Robespierre led the radicals -Instituted the Committee of Public Safety to deal with “Threats to the Revolution” -The guillotine was the favored method of execution -April 5, 1793-Danton is executed on Robespierre’s orders Georges Danton Maximilien Robespierre

Legislation Passed by the Jacobin National Convention Law of General Maximum Limited prices of grain Prices would be strictly enforced. Hoarders rooted out and punished. Food supplies would be secured by the army! Law of Suspects September 17, 1793. This law was so widely drawn that almost anyone not expressing enthusiastic support for the republic could be placed under arrest!

Religious Terror: De-Christianization (1793-1794) The Catholic Church was linked with real or potential counter-revolution. Very popular among the sans-culottes. Therefore, religion had no place in a rational, secular republic!

The Festival of Supreme Being A new secular holiday

The “Thermidorean Reaction” 1794 July 26 ,Robespierre gives a speech illustrating new plots & conspiracies. -he alienated members of the National Assembly. -many felt threatened by his implications. July 27, the Convention arrests Robespierre. July 28, Robespierre is tried & guillotined! Reign of Terror ends Radical Phase ends