1. The Republic Main Idea Essential Questions
An extreme government changed French society and tried through harsh means to eliminate its critics within France.
Essential Questions
What changes did the radical government make in French society and politics?
What was the Reign of Terror, and how did it end?

2. A Radical Government Factions Radical Leaders Executions
In 1792, the radical representatives were in charge of the National Convention. The constitutional monarchy came to a violent end, and France became a republic.
All members of National Convention supported revolution
Radical = Mountain
Moderate = Girondins
The Plain = undecid.
No group had plan of action, acted as indiv.
Factions
Marat = advocate of violence
Danton = very popular with public, compromiser
Robespierre =
Dedicated radical
Led during bloodiest time
Radical Leaders
King put to death by guillotine
Europeans reacted with horror
Revolution condemned as savagery
Executions

3. Tightening Control Transforming Society
Committee of Public Safety set up to manage military defense
Drafted all able-bodied men between 18 and 45 for service
Established to protect the Revolution
Transforming Society
Leaders wanted to erase connections to old ways of life
Closed churches in Paris
Robespierre created the cult of the Supreme Being, to replace Catholicism and worship revolution
Metric system was introduced

4. Explain
Why did the National Convention want to change French government and society?
Answer(s): It saw the old government and systems as oppressive and it wanted to create a better society.

5. The Reign of Terror Course of Revolution An Outbreak of Civil War
Revolutionary leaders feared counterrevolution and took drastic actions with accusations, trials, and executions. This period was known as the Reign of Terror.
An Outbreak of Civil War
Peasants, essentially conservative, only wanted an end to feudal dues.
Remaining devoutly Catholic, opposed the Revolution in a civil war.
The government put down the counterrevolution to regain control.
Accusations and Trials
Anyone who had ever criticized the Revolution, or who had connections to the Old Order, was in danger.
People were forbidden to even defend themselves

7. No Escape from the Terror
Death by Guillotine
Most common sentence - death by guillotine
Mobs watched at scaffold; executions took less than one minute
No one was spared
Marie-Antoinette, Danton, & Robespierre all executed
300K arrested & 17,000 executed in 10 months
Widespread violence increased foreign opposition to revolution
The Terror’s Victims
New constitution in 1795
Voting limited to property owners
The Directory established
Weak & corrupt
High prices, bankruptcy, and citizens’ unrest continued
No one really in control
After the Terror

8. Why was the period of mass executions called the Reign of Terror?
Summarize
Why was the period of mass executions called the Reign of Terror?
Answer(s): It was a period of accusations, trials, and executions that led to a wave of fear.