The French Revolution Part II 1794-1799 “After the Terror”

Total War and the Terror “Emergency Socialism” Government set maximum allowable prices for products. Ex. “Bread of Equality” Rationing of resources introduced. Government told craftsmen what to produce. Some workshops were “nationalized.” Raw materials and grain were requisitioned from the peasants in country.

Total War and the Terror “Emergency Socialism” In Strasbourg, shoes taken from the aristocrats for the army. August 23rd, 1793 decree (page 711 McKay) Patriotism and Nationalistic feelings emerge! It is us against the world as the protectors of democracy. The revolutionary army actually makes gains as inner revolts are put down and the first coalition is pushed back (1793-1794).

Total War and the Terror “Emergency Socialism” September 1793 – all unmarried men are subject to a draft. By January 1794, the French army had 800,000 soldiers. This is 3 to 4 times bigger than most. Armies were victorious on all fronts by Spring 1794.

The Thermidorian Reaction July 1794-1795 By definition the reaction of some revolutionaries against Robespierre’s despotism and the terror. Many middle class and moderate revolutionaries steered the convention away from Terror, radicalism, and socialism. Class adversity heightened as the rich celebrated and the poor starved. Internal revolts in Paris were put down.

The Thermidorian Reaction 1795-1797 New cries for peace and Catholicism came from the provinces. Middle class dominated convention wrote a new constitution. Electors were chosen, a legislature created, which then chose the 5 man directory. In 1799, Starvation and anti-war feelings led to the election of Monarchist and Conservative deputies to the legislature.

The 5 Man Directory 1797-1799 The Directory supported the war and used the army to nullify the elections! The Directory began to rule dictatorially. However, was weak in the sense that it did not solve problems. In November 1799, members of the legislature and Napoleon organized a take over. They wanted firm leadership and an end to chaos. A new constitution was written maintaining a republic but consolidating his power. A plebiscite was held in December 1799 where he received overwhelming approval.