Explain the demerits of the Jacobin govt ?
Answers
The Jacobin government followed the policy of severe control and punishment. All those who were regarded as the enemy of the republic were arrested and tried by tribunal. If found guilty they were guillotined. Even Luis XVI was sentenced to death by a court on charge of treason. Finally, opposition to such severe control began to grow and was responsible for the fall of the Jacobin government.The causes behind the fall of the Jacobin government in France are following:-
(i) The Jacobin government in France was based on extreme measures. The period from 1793-1794 is referred to as the reign of terror. Robespierre followed a policy of severe Control and punishment.
(ii)All those he saw as being ‘enemies’ of the republic nobles and clergy, members of other political parties, even members of his own party who did not agree with his methods–were arrested, imprisoned and guillotined. This led to chaos and resentment among the people.
(iii)Robespierre’s government ordered shutting down of churches and converting church buildings into barricades or offices. Thus the clergy turned against the Jacobin regime and hastened its fall.
(iv) Robespierre pursued his policies so relentlessly that even his supporters turned against him. They began to demand moderation and a middle path. Finally, he himself was tried by a court in July 1794, arrested and guillotined.