The French Revolution A Radical Turn

Paris Commune, or Sans-Culottes, led by Georges Danton Seek revenge against king and any who oppose the revolution Jean-Paul Marat, another leader of the people, also published a radical newspaper Friend of the People A Move to Radicalism

National Convention called to draft new constitution, also was ruling body of France 1st major act abolish monarchy and establish France as a republic Split into 2 main factions: Girondins represented provinces and those living outside the city; Mountain represented radical Parisians; both part of Jacobin Club Argue or split over fate of the king Fate of the KIng

1793 Mountain convinces National Convention to condemn Louis to death January 21st, 1793 King Louis XVI is killed by guillotine Execution of King Louis creates new problems, at home and abroad Off With His Head

Internal disputes over the rule of the National Convention Foreign interest after execution of Louis, creation of a coalition of European nations ready to invade France Creation of special committee of 12 – Committee of Public Safety At first Georges Danton in charge, but Maximilien Robespierre soon takes control Crisis & Response

Lasts for nearly a year between 1793 – 1794; Committee dedicated to protecting France from foreign and domestic threats Approx. 40,000 people killed during Reign of Terror, over 16,000 by guillotine Cities that opposed the revolution were brought under control through military use Lyon – 1,880 executed; Nantes – Victims executed by drowning on a barge The Reign of Terror

Dechristianization National Convention closes many churches Notre Dame is now a “temple of reason” Adopt a new calendar; eliminated Sundays and Sunday worship, as well as church holidays Overall, it failed France remained largely Catholic Dechristianization

French Army Committee of Public Safety decreed universal mobilization Within 1 year, army was over a million strong, largest army in European history Able to finally push foreign armies out of France French Army

End of Terror 1794 France had defeated its foreign foes Robespierre obsessed with ridding France of all corruption Fearing Robespierre, many agree he has gone to far and vote to condemn him Robespierre is guillotined July 28th, 1794; end of the Reign of Terror End of Terror

New constitution adopted in 1795, established 2 chamber legislative branch Lower chamber = Council of 500; Upper chamber = Council of Elders Elected 5 person executive committee, or Directory Era of Directory (1795-1799) is filled with corruption and problems 1799 Coup d'état by Napoleon Bonaparte overthrown Directory The Directory