Reform and Terror The French Revolution

Quickwrite The period between 1793 and 1795 is known as the Reign of Terror. Military threats from countries abroad who wanted to crush the new French Republic combined with rumors of a royalists counterrevolution and fresh financial woes produced a sense of extreme crisis. The Committee of Public Safety was committed to squashing these threats. Led by Maximilien Robespierre, the Committee passed laws that allowed people to be put in prison without trial, convictions to be passed down without any evidence, and the death penalty to be applied to a variety of crimes. Thousands of people went to the guillotine, all in the name of preserving “liberty” and protecting the Republic. Do you think violence and fear are acceptable methods to accomplish the goals of the French Revolution? Society? Why or why not? Explain.

Reform Between 1789-1795, France experienced drastic changes in political policies and structure affecting power and authority and society. 1789- National Assembly 1791- Legislative Assembly under the National Assembly. September, 1792- National Convention 1795- The Directory

National Assembly, 1791 Made up of the Third Estate Passed laws and reforms in the name of the French people. Proclaimed the end of absolute monarchy and the beginning of representative government. Made commoners equal to the nobles and the clergy. Declaration of he Rights of Man and of the Citizen. Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.”

Legislative Assembly September 1791, the National Assembly created a new constitution with it a new legislative body- Legislative Assembly. Limited Constitutional Monarchy Power to create laws and to approve or reject declarations of war. King still held the executive power to enforce laws. Problems such as food shortages and government debt still remained.

National Convention, 1792 Under pressure from radicals and among its members, the Legislative Assembly set aside the Constitution of 1791. Declared the king disposed, dissolved the assembly, and called for the election of a new legislature. New government- The National Convention Abolished the monarchy and declared France a republic. Adult male citizens were granted the right to vote and hold office. Women were note given the right to vote. People responsible for these changes were members of the radical group the Jacobin. Responsible for beheading King Louis XVI.

Maximilien Robespierre France was dealing with foreign powers (Austria, Prussia, Great Britain, Holland, and Spain) over the abolishment of the monarchy. Jacobins had thousand of enemies and Robespierre’s mission was to protect the revolution from those enemies. Wanted to build a “republic of virtue.” Ruled as a dictator and the period of his rule became known as the Reign of Terror. He later was arrested and execute. The Directory is born.

Maxie and Just Robespierre and Saint-Just were biffles who went to the scaffold on the same day. Robespierre explains why he believes violence was an acceptable method to accomplish the goals of the French Revolution. Saint-Just discusses the ideal republic.

Can individuals be good citizens of a republic or society without he fear of punishment to keep them in line?

Napoleon Bonaparte