Were the rebels right in executing the King and unleashing the Reign of Terror? What was the result of the reign of terror?..
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Reign of Terror, also called the Terror, French La Terreur, period of the French Revolution from September 5, 1793, to July 27, 1794 (9 Thermidor, year II). With civil war spreading from the Vendée and hostile armies surrounding France on all sides, the Revolutionary government decided to make “Terror” the order of the day (September 5 decree) and to take harsh measures against those suspected of being enemies of the Revolution (nobles, priests, and hoarders). In Paris a wave of executions followed. In the provinces, representatives on mission and surveillance committees instituted local terrors. The Terror had an economic side embodied in the Maximum, a price-control measure demanded by the lower classes of Paris, and a religious side that was embodied in the program of de-Christianization pursued by the followers of Jacques Hébert.
Une Exécution capitale, place de la Révolution, painting by Pierre-Antoine Demachy
Une ExéCution Capitale, Place De La RéVolution, Painting By Pierre-Antoine Demachy
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Date: September 5, 1793 - July 27, 1794
Location: France
Context: French Revolution Committee of Public Safety
Key People: Maximilien Robespierre
During the Terror, the Committee of Public Safety (of which Maximilien de Robespierre was the most prominent member) exercised virtual dictatorial control over the French government. In the spring of 1794, it eliminated its enemies to the left (the Hébertists) and to the right (the Indulgents, or followers of Georges Danton). Still uncertain of its position, the committee obtained the Law of 22 Prairial, year II (June 10, 1794), which suspended a suspect’s right to public trial and to legal assistance and left the jury a choice only of acquittal or death. The “Great Terror” that followed, in which about 1,400 persons were executed, contributed to the fall of Robespierre on July 27 (9 Thermidor).
Maximilien Robespierre
Maximilien Robespierre
Maximilien Robespierre.
© G. Dagli Orti—DeA Picture Library/age fotostock
prisoners awaiting execution during the Reign of Terror
prisoners awaiting execution during the Reign of Terror
The last prisoners awaiting execution during the Reign of Terror in 1794, undated engraving.
Photos.com/Thinkstock.com
During the Reign of Terror, at least 300,000 suspects were arrested; 17,000 were officially executed, and perhaps 10,000 died in prison or without trial.
arrest of Maximilien Robespierre
arrest of Maximilien Robespierre
The arrest of Maximilien Robespierre, July 27, 1794.
DeAgostini Picture Library/age fotostock
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen, Corrections Manager.
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