The Reign of Terror in the French Revolution

Reign of Terror

Period of extreme violence during the French Revolution.

Legislative Assembly

Declared war on Austria and Prussia in 1792.

September Massacres

Violent killings of royal guards by revolutionaries.

National Convention

Fourth governing body; abolished monarchy, declared republic.

Jacobins

Radical group driving revolutionary changes in France.

Louis XVI

King executed for treason by guillotine.

Guillotine

Execution device symbolizing democratic justice.

Peasants

Opposed revolution due to king's execution.

Priests

Opposed government control over the Church.

Robespierre

Radical leader aiming for a 'republic of virtue.'

Committee of Public Safety

Robespierre's group protecting the revolution.

Political Executions

Thousands executed swiftly during the Reign of Terror.

Middle Class Executions

85% of executed were from middle or lower classes.

National Convention's Turn

Members turned against Robespierre in July 1794.

Directory

Fifth governing body, established after Robespierre's fall.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Appointed commander of French armies by the Directory.

Moderate Leaders

Drafted new government plan post-Robespierre.

Two-House Legislature

Established by the new government plan.

Military Power

Directory relied on this to maintain order.

Political Turmoil

Forced abandonment of limited monarchy concept.

Opposition Groups

Various factions resisted radical changes in France.