The French Revolution Ch 12 Sec 2

The Spread of the Revolution King Louis XVI allowed the Estates to Meet. But moved troops to Paris and Versailles. This lead to a general panic known as the Great Fear. Peasants thought that the nobles were planning to crush the rebellion. Lafayette formed a National Guard to keep control. The National Assembly ended all Feudal obligations, by 1789 Feudalism was gone in France.

Declaration of the Rights of Man. Stated that men are born equal and remain equal before the law. Granted freedom of speech, of the press, and of religion. Slogan of the French Revolution “liberty, equality, fraternity.” Rights did not apply to women.

Émigrés and royalist Many nobles fled France and went to G.B., Germany, Switzerland and Germany. They plotted how to overthrown the revolution. Many stayed behind in France and lived at the palace with the King.

National Convention When the Legislative Assembly ended the National Convention took over. National Convention was divided into three groups. Girondins – Feared domination by Paris. Jacobins -- Favored domination by Paris.  Lead by Danton, Robespierre and Marat. No definite favor -- but later supported the Jacobins.

National Convention The National Convention ruled for three years. First act was to end the monarchy and to begin the republic. Put the king on trial and sentenced him to death on Jan 21, 1793.

Exporting the Revolution The French National Convention defeated the Austrian and Prussian forces and invaded the Austrian Netherlands. Monarchs in Europe thought the French would try to over throw them also. Committee of Public Safety. Was set up to direct the army in crushing foreign invaders. They conscripted (drafted) men in to the military.

Reign of Terror Lasted from Sept 1793 to July Purpose was to eliminate all internal and external enemies to the Republic. Executed nobles, peasants and workers. Danton, wanted to stop the Reign of Terror in the Spring of Robespierre did not want to and had Danton killed. Robespierre was eventually arrested and executed and the Reign of Terror ended.