What were the major events of the Reign of Terror?

What were the major events of the Reign of Terror?

The Reign of Terror was a period during the French Revolution characterized by extreme violence and political repression. It lasted from September 1793 to July 1794 and was marked by several major events:

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 being an enemy of the revolution, leading to widespread paranoia and fear.

2. The Revolutionary Tribunal: The Revolutionary Tribunal was established to prosecute and execute those accused of counter-revolutionary activities. It became notorious for its speedy trials and high execution rates, often based on flimsy evidence or mere suspicion.

3. The Execution of King Louis XVI: On January 21, 1793, King Louis XVI was executed by guillotine. This event symbolized the end of the monarchy and the rise of the radical republican government.

4. The Committee of Public Safety: The Committee of Public Safety, led by Robespierre, gained absolute power during the Reign of Terror. It implemented policies to suppress counter-revolutionary activities and maintain control over the country, often resorting to violence and repression.

5. The Cult of the Supreme Being: Robespierre introduced the Cult of the Supreme Being as a way to replace Catholicism and establish a new civic religion. This attempt to de-Christianize France was met with resistance and ultimately failed.

6. The Thermidorian Reaction: In July 1794, a group of moderate revolutionaries, fearing the excesses of the Reign of Terror, orchestrated a coup against Robespierre. He and his supporters were arrested and executed, marking the end of the Reign of Terror.

These major events of the Reign of Terror had a profound impact on the French Revolution, leading to a significant loss of life, the consolidation of power in the hands of the Committee of Public Safety, and ultimately the downfall of Robespierre and the radical government.