The Reign of Terror

What was the Great Fear?

A wave of panic in 1789 where peasants attacked manors and burned feudal records.

What key result came from the Great Fear?

Nobles gave up feudal privileges, ending the Old Regime.

What was the Declaration of the Rights of Man?

A document stating liberty, equality, free speech, free religion, and equal justice.

Which Enlightenment ideas were reflected in the Declaration of Rights?

Freedom, equality, natural rights, and justice.

Why were many peasants angry at Church reforms?

They wanted the pope—not the government—to control the Church.

Why was the king viewed as a traitor in 1791?

He attempted to flee France but was caught near the border.

What type of government did the Constitution of 1791 create?

A limited constitutional monarchy.

What new body made laws under the 1791 constitution?

The Legislative Assembly.

How did political divisions appear in the Legislative Assembly?

Radicals wanted a republic, moderates wanted limited change, conservatives supported the king.

Why did France go to war in 1792?

European monarchs wanted to stop the Revolution and restore Louis XVI.

What were the September Massacres?

Mobs killed over 1,000 priests and nobles fearing they would join France's enemies.

What happened after the September Massacres?

The monarchy was abolished, and France became a republic.

Who were the Jacobins?

A radical political group pushing for extreme change.

What happened to Louis XVI in January 1793?

He was tried for treason and executed by the guillotine.

Why did France create a mass army in 1793?

To defend the Revolution from foreign enemies.

Who led the Reign of Terror?

Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety.

What was the goal of the Reign of Terror?

To protect the Revolution and create a "Republic of Virtue."

What methods were used during the Terror?

Accusations, speedy trials, and mass executions by guillotine.

Who were most of the victims of the Terror?

Ordinary peasants and workers.

How did the Reign of Terror end?

Robespierre was arrested and executed in 1794; The Directory took power.