Overview
This lecture covers the radical phase of the French Revolution, from King Louis XVI’s loss of power to the rise and fall of Robespierre, through the Reign of Terror, and up to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
King Louis XVI & the Erosion of Royal Power
- King Louis XVI was confined to the Tuileries Palace and had to comply with revolutionary demands.
- Nobles were taxed equally, royal expenses were cut, and symbols of monarchy were stripped.
- Louis attempted to flee France in June 1791, was caught in Varennes, and brought back to Paris.
Shifts in Government & Radicalization
- The 1791 Constitution made Louis a constitutional monarch with limited power.
- Jacobins and other radicals protested, leading to the Champ de Mars Massacre when the National Guard fired on demonstrators.
- Deep divisions developed between moderates (wanted a limited monarchy) and radicals (wanted no monarchy).
The Guillotine & Social Upheaval
- The guillotine was introduced in 1791 as an equal, humane method of execution.
- Nobility and clergy became targets—many aristocrats fled France, sparking fears across Europe.
- France declared war on Austria and Prussia in 1792, leading to more internal unrest.
Fall of the Monarchy & Start of the Republic
- In August 1792, revolutionaries stormed the palace; the monarchy was suspended.
- The National Convention proclaimed the French Republic.
- The Church was targeted; property seized, religious symbols destroyed, and a new calendar introduced.
Counterrevolution and Internal Conflict
- Conscription laws and anti-Christian policies led to uprisings in regions like the Vendée.
- Brutal repression followed, including mass drownings and executions.
Radical Control & The Reign of Terror
- Moderates lost power; radicals led by Robespierre seized control.
- The Committee of Public Safety and Revolutionary Tribunal were established to eliminate enemies.
- The Reign of Terror (Sept 1793–1794) saw about 40,000 executed, including Marie Antoinette.
The Downfall of Robespierre & Aftermath
- Robespierre intensified the terror, alienated allies, and created the Cult of the Supreme Being.
- He was overthrown and executed in July 1794.
- The Thermidorians took power, ending the terror and establishing The Directory.
Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte
- The Directory was ineffective and unpopular; Napoleon suppressed royalist insurrections and became a national hero.
- By 1799, Napoleon staged a coup, ending the revolution and becoming dictator.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Constitutional Monarch — a king or queen with limited power under a constitution.
- Jacobins — radical political club favoring a republic and the king’s removal.
- Guillotine — device for beheading, symbolizing equal justice.
- Reign of Terror — period of mass executions for suspected anti-revolutionary activity.
- Committee of Public Safety — powerful 12-man body enforcing revolutionary policies.
- Thermidorians — moderate political group that took over after Robespierre.
- Directory — five-man executive government established post-Terror.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the evolution of revolutionary governments (National Assembly, Convention, Directory).
- Compare moderate vs. radical revolutionary goals.
- Study the causes and effects of the Reign of Terror.
- Prepare for discussion on Napoleon’s role in ending the revolution.