End of Reign of Terror

Many factors led to the end of the Reign of Terror. The major ones are:

  1. The people of France were tired of violence and bloodshed. They were also concerned about the growing power of Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety.
  2. There was a growing opposition within the National Convention. The members were concerned with Robespierre’s growing power and willingness to use terror to achieve his goals. They feared that he was planning to establish a dictatorship.

On July 27, 1794, a group of members of the National Convention staged a coup against Robespierre. They arrested him and his supporters, and they put them on trial. Robespierre and his supporters were found guilty and executed on the same day.

The Reign of Terror marked the end of the most radical phase of the Revolution, leading to a more moderate government.

Reign of Terror – Origin, Causes, & Effects

The Reign of Terror was a period during the French Revolution that took place between September 1793 to July 1794. Extreme violence and mass executions were a part of Maximilien Marie Isidore de Robespierre’s strict policy of control and punishment. The reign of terror targeted perceived enemies of the revolution which involved various counter-revolutionaries and suspected traitors. All those considered enemies of the republic, members of other political parties, and even those of the same party who did not agree with Robespierre’s methods were charged. Thousands of aristocrats, clergymen, and ordinary citizens were executed by guillotine. This period ended with the fall of Robespierre and the Thermidorian reaction in July 1794.

Furthermore, let us dive into a detailed understanding of the Reign of Terror and the relevant figures involved in it.

Table of Content

  • Origin of Reign of Terror
  • Causes of Reign of Terror
  • Major Tools of Terror
  • Maximilien Robespierre
  • End of Reign of Terror
  • Aftermath of the Revolution
  • Present-day Context
  • Conclusion
  • FAQs: Reign of Terror

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Origin of Reign of Terror

Since the French Revolution’s early days, there had been a constant undercurrent of fear and paranoia. This violent period seigneurial emerged primarily due to the revolutionary government’s fear and desire to protect itself during the revolution. The first act of terror occurred on 22nd July, 1789 when a Paris mob brutally killed royal minister Joseph Foullon and his son-in-law amid fears of an aristocratic plot to starve the people. The fear spread among peasants which led to raids on the châteaux of their seigneurial lords due to rumors occurred occurred of counter-revolutionary activities by the aristocracy. The following events occured due to widespread fear and anxiety:...

Causes of Reign of Terror

Various factors beyond Robespierre’s policies influenced the Reign of Terror. These factors can be examined under different categories:...

Major Tools of Terror

The following tools were used during the Reign of Terror:...

Maximilien Robespierre

Maximilien Marie Isidore de Robespierre was a French lawyer and politician known primarily for the Reign of Terror. Born on 6th May 1758, he became increasingly popular for his attacks on monarchy and the democratic reforms he advocated....

End of Reign of Terror

Many factors led to the end of the Reign of Terror. The major ones are:...

Aftermath of the Revolution

There were various long-lasting effects of the revolution on France and Europe:...

Present-day Context

Napoleon Bonaparte...

Conclusion

The Reign of Terror can be marked as the most violent phase of the French Revolution. The streets were clogged with blood and thousands of lives were lost. Revolutionary war and foreign invasion are the most prominent factors that led to this terror. It formally started in September 1793 and ended in July 1794 with the fall of Maximilien Robespierre....

FAQs: Reign of Terror

When did the Reign of Terror happen?...

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