The Republic Main Idea Essential Questions An extreme government changed French society and tried through harsh means to eliminate its critics within France. Essential Questions What changes did the radical government make in French society and politics? What was the Reign of Terror, and how did it end?

A Radical Government Factions Radical Leaders Executions In 1792, the radical representatives were in charge of the National Convention. The constitutional monarchy came to a violent end, and France became a republic. All members of National Convention supported revolution Radical = Mountain Moderate = Girondins The Plain = undecid. No group had plan of action, acted as indiv. Factions Marat = advocate of violence Danton = very popular with public, compromiser Robespierre = Dedicated radical Led during bloodiest time Radical Leaders King put to death by guillotine Europeans reacted with horror Revolution condemned as savagery Executions

Tightening Control Transforming Society Committee of Public Safety set up to manage military defense Drafted all able-bodied men between 18 and 45 for service Established to protect the Revolution Transforming Society Leaders wanted to erase connections to old ways of life Closed churches in Paris Robespierre created the cult of the Supreme Being, to replace Catholicism and worship revolution Metric system was introduced

Explain Why did the National Convention want to change French government and society? Answer(s): It saw the old government and systems as oppressive and it wanted to create a better society.

The Reign of Terror Course of Revolution An Outbreak of Civil War Revolutionary leaders feared counterrevolution and took drastic actions with accusations, trials, and executions. This period was known as the Reign of Terror. An Outbreak of Civil War Peasants, essentially conservative, only wanted an end to feudal dues. Remaining devoutly Catholic, opposed the Revolution in a civil war. The government put down the counterrevolution to regain control. Accusations and Trials Anyone who had ever criticized the Revolution, or who had connections to the Old Order, was in danger. People were forbidden to even defend themselves

No Escape from the Terror Death by Guillotine Most common sentence - death by guillotine Mobs watched at scaffold; executions took less than one minute No one was spared Marie-Antoinette, Danton, & Robespierre all executed 300K arrested & 17,000 executed in 10 months Widespread violence increased foreign opposition to revolution The Terror’s Victims New constitution in 1795 Voting limited to property owners The Directory established Weak & corrupt High prices, bankruptcy, and citizens’ unrest continued No one really in control After the Terror

Why was the period of mass executions called the Reign of Terror? Summarize Why was the period of mass executions called the Reign of Terror? Answer(s): It was a period of accusations, trials, and executions that led to a wave of fear.