Discussion Why might the guillotine have come to symbolize the French Revolution? It was because the guillotine was used to execute the French king and queen, ending the monarchy.

The Revolution's Most Radical Phase The Committee of Public Safety: In response to domestic and external threats, the National Convention turned control of France to a group of 12 men called the Committee of Public Safety which came to be dominated by Maximilian Robespierre. The Committee called on all French citizens to defend France against foreign threats. The Reign of Terror: The Committee of Public Safety's reaction to domestic threats became known as the Reign of Terror. Many French citizens who were accused of being opponents of the Revolution were tried and executed, and rebellions in various parts of the country were brutally put down. Social policies of the Committee: In its efforts to shape French society, the Committee of Public Safety promulgated laws that were intended to provide primary education for all, abolish slavery in French colonies, control prices of essential goods, and remove the influence of Christianity in French society.

Discussion Why do you think the execution of the king led to further radicalization? The king was dead there was no turning back. The old order could not be easily restored. This could have given the radicals additional support.

The Terror Ends A new army: On France's borders, there was a gathering of foreign troops from countries angered by the execution of Louis XVI. The Committee of Public Safety issued a decree to raise an army made up of citizens, not professional soldiers. More than a million men joined together to create the army, and France defeated the enemy forces. The end of the Terror: Robespierre had become so powerful that he inspired fear in many members of the National Convention. After these members had gathered enough votes to condemn Robespierre, he was executed in July 1794, and the Reign of Terror came to an end.

Discussion What was so terrifying about the Reign of Terror? The use of fear, intimidation, and violence, with people from all social classes being killed.

After the Terror A new constitution: The National Convention reduced the power of the Committee of Public Safety and created a new constitution. Under it, the government was separated into two legislative houses, and five men—the Directory—held executive power. Government under the Directory: The Directory's reign was ineffective and characterized by corruption in government. Economic problems persisted, and the wars started under the Committee of Public Safety dragged on.

Discussion How was the Constitution of 1795 different from the Constitution of 1791? The governments they established were structured differently. The Constitution of 1791 set up a limited monarchy with a Legislative Assembly that made laws. The Constitution of 1795 set up a government of the Directory, the Council of 500, and the Council of Elders. The Directory was the executive branch while the Council of 500 and the Council of Elders made up the legislative branch.