Revolution Brings Reform and Terror Ch. 7.2

The National Assembly Reforms France The Rights of Man - Aug National Assembly adopts Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen = the purpose of the revolution Ended all the special rights the 1 st and 2 nd Estates enjoyed Revolutionary leaders use the slogan, “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” For men, not for women A State-Controlled Church National Assembly seizes church lands, turns clergy into public officials This action alarms many peasants, who are devout Catholics Many opposed the Revolution’s reforms

The National Assembly Reforms France Louis Tries to Escape For months, the assembly worked on plans for a new govn’t Louis, worried about his future & attempts to escape France Revolutionaries catch the royal family near Netherlands’ border Louis and Marie Antoinette are imprisoned The Escape attempt 1)Made the King and queen more unpopular 2)Decreased the power of the king 3)Increased the power of the king’s enemies

Divisions Develop A Limited Monarchy In September 1791, National Assembly finishes new constitution A constitutional monarchy is formed in France (for awhile) taking away most of the King’s power Legislative Assembly—new body created to pass laws (the National Assembly turned over power) Factions Split France Major problems, including debt, food shortages remain Assembly split into Radicals – wanted sweeping changes in the way govn’t was run Moderates – wanted some change in govn’t Conservatives - wanted a limited monarchy and few changes in govn’t Groups outside of the Assembly wanted influence: Émigrés—nobles who flee country, want Old Regime back in power (i.e. Nobles) Sans-culottes (w/o short pants)—lower class (wage earners and small shopkeepers) who want more change from the Revolution and a greater voice in governement

War and Execution What caused French people to take extreme measures? Problems with Other Countries Austrians and Prussians want Louis XVI in charge of France; France (National Assembly) declares war France at War Prussian forces soon threaten to attack Paris, France if King/Queen are harmed The French people thought the King and Queen were planning on helping the enemy Mob breaks into prisons and released the inmates killed over 1,000, including many nobles who support king Pressured by mob, Legislative Assembly deposes the king then dissolves the assembly National Convention takes office in September, forming French republic

continued War and Execution Jacobins Take Control Jacobins—radical political organization behind 1792 governmental changes * Jean-Paul Marat (major members): he edited a newspaper L’Ami du Peuple. Ruthless and is murdered in 1793, & becomes a martyr *George Danton – a lawyer devoted to the Paris’s poor. Jacobins want the death of the monarchy and everyone who supports the King Guillotine—machine designed during the Revolution to behead people National convention order thousands of people into the army

Robespierre Assumes Control Maximilien Robespierre—Jacobin leader rules France for a year Believes in the Enlightened philosophes view of a better govn’t (no capitol punishment, wants a constitutional monarchy, but changes as the revolution goes on). Becomes leader of the Committee for Public Safety, He becomes a dictator

The Death of King Louis XVI *The Monarchy was deposed & abolished in Aug The Royal Family was imprisoned Declared Louis XVI a common citizen and tried for treason After a close vote, Louis XVI is found guilty of treason and beheaded (Jan. 1793) THE FRENCH REPUBLIC IS BORN!!!! Reign of Terror (1793 – 1794) — Robespierre’s rule, which includes killing many opponents “enemies of the Rev.” Thousands die during the Terror, including former allies and Marie Antoinette 85 percent of those who die during the Terror are middle or lower class

Reign of Terror Jailed in a small dark cell Her children are taken away from her Marie Antoinette was convicted of treason executed (Oct. 1793) She was 38 years old

Marie Antoinette – Last Queen of France

End of the Terror Another Change in Government In July 1794, Robespierre arrested, executed ending the Reign of Terror Terror results in public opinion shifting away from radicals Over 40,000 die Moderate leaders write new constitution Two-house legislature and five- man Directory restore order New government makes Napoleon Bonaparte commander of armies

Whatever Happened to Robespierre?