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The Reign of Terror: Radical Government and Societal Transformation in France

Discover how an extreme government in the French Republic implemented radical changes and embarked on a ruthless campaign to eliminate its critics. Explore the Reign of Terror, its impact, and how it ultimately came to an end.

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The Reign of Terror: Radical Government and Societal Transformation in France

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  1. The Republic Main Idea 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. Factions Radical Leaders Executions • All members of National Convention supported revolution • Radical = Mountain • Moderate = Girondins • The Plain = undecid. • No group had plan of action, acted as indiv. • Marat = advocate of violence • Danton = very popular with public,compromiser • Robespierre = • Dedicated radical • Led during bloodiest time • King put to death by guillotine • Europeans reacted with horror • Revolution condemned as savagery A Radical Government 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.

  3. Tightening Control • 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 • 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

  6. The Terror’s Victims After the Terror • 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 • 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 No Escape from the Terror • Death by Guillotine • Most common sentence - death by guillotine • Mobs watched at scaffold; executions took less than one minute

  7. 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.

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