Political Reforms From the French Revolution Events of the Reign of Terror Eric Lu, Christopher Micek, Frank Yee, Gary Chen, and Ewelina Gadek

Rights of Men ► All men were proven to be equal (excluded groups including slaves and women) ► Freedom of Religion, Speech, and Press were issued out. The commoners could not be immediately ► The commoners could no longer be treated with less privileges than the wealthy and/or powerful (nobles and clergies)

Reforms On The Roman Catholic Church ► The Church was stripped of power and of land. ► Assignats were issued out as currency for the properties of the Church. Used to escape financial crisis for a while. ► No longer able to collect tithes or 10% taxes from the commoners. Clergymen were paid by the People or state. ► The Public had more control over the uses of the Church. (Used as shelters to house the homeless. Monasteries that were not affiliated with the public were shut down.)

The Limited Monarchy ► In September 1791, the French created a constitution, transforming the absolute monarchy into a constitutional or limited monarchy. ► King Louis XVI maintained position of highest authority, but had to answer to new legislative body, called the Legislative Assembly. ► Abolished the nobility as a social order, kept power from guilds and monopolies. ► Established poll tax and prohibited servants from voting.

Maximilien Robespierre was the mastermind behind the reign of terror. He was the leader of the Committee of Public Safety, the executive committee of the National Convention, and the most powerful man in France. Used terror to promote their revolutionary agenda, eliminating those who opposed with death. Using the efficient Guillotine those who were against or opposed the Committee of Public Safety were killed quickly and fast. “in late 1793–1794, during which he had more than 15,000 people executed at the guillotine” Robespierre rule and usage of the guillotine came to an end when the foreign invaders no longer posed a threat and the economy stabilized.