The Reign of Terror
The Reign of Terror
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- The period from 1793 to 1794 is known as the Reign of Terror, characterized by extreme control and harsh punishments led by Robespierre.
- Enemies of the Republic
- Robespierre targeted anyone deemed an "enemy" of the republic, including:
- Ex-nobles and clergy.
- Members of other political parties.
- Members of his own party who disagreed with him.
- Those arrested were imprisoned and tried by a revolutionary tribunal.
- If found guilty, they were executed using the guillotine, a beheading device named after Dr. Guillotin.
Guillotine Execution - The guillotine became a symbol of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution, where thousands, including King Louis XVI, were executed. - Robespierre targeted anyone deemed an "enemy" of the republic, including:
- Fall of Robespierre
- Robespierre’s relentless pursuit of his policies led even his supporters to call for moderation.
- In July 1794, Robespierre was convicted by a court, arrested, and executed via guillotine the following day.
- A Directory Rules France
- The fall of the Jacobin government allowed the wealthier middle classes to seize power.
- A new constitution was introduced, which:
- Denied voting rights to non-propertied sections of society.
- Provided for two elected legislative councils.
- The councils appointed a Directory, an executive body of five members, to prevent concentration of power as under the Jacobins.
- However, political instability emerged:
- The Directors clashed with the legislative councils.
- This instability paved the way for the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
- Despite these changes in government, ideals of freedom, equality before the law, and fraternity continued to inspire political movements in France and across Europe.
