Overview
This lecture covers the radical phase of the French Revolution known as the Reign of Terror, focusing on Robespierre, revolutionary reforms, major purges, and the end of the Terror.
The Jacobins and the Republic of Virtue
- The Jacobins eliminated their rivals, the Girondins, consolidating radical power.
- Robespierre promoted a "Republic of Virtue" based on Rousseau's social contract and general will, not individual rights.
- The government prioritized the common good over individual freedoms and liberalism.
Revolutionary Reforms and Policies
- "Bread of Equality" law banned white bread to promote equality and reduce waste.
- De-Christianization policies aimed to erase the Catholic Church's influence, replacing it with festivals like the "Festival of the Supreme Being."
- Revolutionary leaders, like Marat, were depicted as new secular saints.
Radical Innovations
- Decimal time briefly replaced traditional measurements: 10 hours/day, 100 minutes/hour, 100 seconds/minute.
- The French Republican Calendar (1793-1805) replaced the Christian calendar with 12 months of 30 days and a 10-day week; year one started in 1792.
- Month and day names reflected natural phenomena instead of religious references.
- The metric system was introduced and remains widely used globally.
Political Purges and the Fall of Robespierre
- After purging external enemies, the revolutionary government began purging its own faction.
- Extremist Hébertists were executed in March 1794 for being too radical.
- Moderate Dantonists were executed in April 1794 for wanting to end the Terror.
- Growing fear and instability led to Robespierre's arrest and execution in the "Thermidorian Reaction" (9 Thermidor, Year II), ending the Reign of Terror.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Jacobins — Radical revolutionary faction, supporters of Robespierre.
- Republic of Virtue — Robespierre's vision of a moral, united republic based on general will.
- General Will — Rousseau's concept of the collective interest of the people.
- De-Christianization — Policy removing the church's influence from French society.
- French Republican Calendar — Revolutionary calendar with new months/weeks, starting in 1792.
- Thermidorian Reaction — The event marking the fall of Robespierre and end of the Terror.
- Metric System — Decimal-based system of measurement introduced during the Revolution.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review notes on the Girondins, Jacobins, and Robespierre.
- Read ahead on the Directory phase and the War in the Vendée for the next lecture.