History The French Revolution Questions Long
The Reign of Terror was a period during the French Revolution that lasted from September 1793 to July 1794. It was characterized by extreme violence and political repression, as the revolutionary government sought to consolidate its power and eliminate perceived threats to the revolution. Several major events occurred during this period, which had a significant impact on the course of the revolution.
1. The Law of Suspects: In September 1793, the Committee of Public Safety, led by Maximilien Robespierre, passed the Law of Suspects. This law allowed for the arrest and execution of anyone suspected of counter-revolutionary activities or sympathies. It led to a wave of arrests and mass executions, as thousands of people were accused and sentenced without proper trials.
2. The Revolutionary Tribunal: The Revolutionary Tribunal was established in March 1793 as a court to try counter-revolutionaries. During the Reign of Terror, it became a tool of the Committee of Public Safety to swiftly condemn and execute those deemed enemies of the revolution. The tribunal operated with little regard for due process, and its judgments were often based on flimsy evidence or mere suspicion.
3. The Committee of Public Safety: The Committee of Public Safety, headed by Robespierre, held immense power during the Reign of Terror. It was responsible for maintaining internal security and defending the revolution against external threats. The committee implemented policies such as price controls, rationing, and conscription to support the war effort. However, it also used its power to suppress dissent and eliminate political rivals, leading to widespread fear and paranoia.
4. The Cult of the Supreme Being: In an attempt to create a new civic religion and replace Catholicism, Robespierre introduced the Cult of the Supreme Being in June 1794. This deistic religion aimed to promote virtue and civic morality. However, it was met with resistance and failed to gain widespread support.
5. The Fall of Robespierre: The Reign of Terror came to an end with the fall of Robespierre. As the violence and repression escalated, many members of the National Convention grew wary of Robespierre's increasing power and his use of the guillotine to eliminate political opponents. On July 27, 1794, Robespierre was arrested and executed, marking the end of the Reign of Terror.
Overall, the major events of the Reign of Terror were characterized by mass executions, political repression, and the consolidation of power by the Committee of Public Safety. It was a period of intense fear and violence, as the revolutionary government sought to protect the revolution from perceived threats. However, the excessive use of violence and the disregard for due process ultimately led to the downfall of the Reign of Terror and the beginning of a new phase in the French Revolution.