Maximilien Robespierre: Republic of Virtue

These flashcards cover key concepts from Maximilien Robespierre's speech on the Republic of Virtue, focusing on his views on democracy, virtue, terror, and the aims of the revolutionary government.

What core concepts does Robespierre equate with democracy in his political theory?

Virtue and equality.

According to Robespierre, what should be the first rule of political conduct for the maintenance of the republic?

To relate measures to the maintenance of equality and development of virtue.

What does Robespierre suggest is necessary to combat both internal and external enemies of the republic?

Annihilation of both internal and external enemies.

How does Robespierre define terror in the context of a revolutionary government?

Terror is justice that is prompt, severe, and inflexible, and it is an emanation of virtue.

What is Robespierre's ideal vision for France as a nation?

To become a model to nations, a terror to oppressors, and a consolation to the oppressed.

What must be rejected according to Robespierre in the principles of the Republic?

Anything that tends to concentrate and debase human passions into selfish egotism.

What does Robespierre believe is the nature of democracy?

A state where the sovereign people, guided by their own laws, do for themselves everything that they can do well.

How does Robespierre view the relationship between virtue and terror?

Virtue is essential for guiding people in peacetime, while during revolution, both virtue and terror are necessary.

What is the ultimate aim of the revolutionary government as described by Robespierre?

The peaceful reign of constitutional laws and the establishment of true democracy.

According to Robespierre, what has France achieved that makes it unique among nations?

France has established true democracy by calling all men to equality and full enjoyment of citizenship rights.

What core concepts does Robespierre equate with democracy in his political theory?

Virtue and equality.

According to Robespierre, what should be the first rule of political conduct for the maintenance of the republic?

To relate measures to the maintenance of equality and development of virtue.

What does Robespierre suggest is necessary to combat both internal and external enemies of the republic?

Annihilation of both internal and external enemies.

How does Robespierre define terror in the context of a revolutionary government?

Terror is justice that is prompt, severe, and inflexible, and it is an emanation of virtue.

What is Robespierre's ideal vision for France as a nation?

To become a model to nations, a terror to oppressors, and a consolation to the oppressed.

What must be rejected according to Robespierre in the principles of the Republic?

Anything that tends to concentrate and debase human passions into selfish egotism.

What does Robespierre believe is the nature of democracy?

A state where the sovereign people, guided by their own laws, do for themselves everything that they can do well.

How does Robespierre view the relationship between virtue and terror?

Virtue is essential for guiding people in peacetime, while during revolution, both virtue and terror are necessary.

What is the ultimate aim of the revolutionary government as described by Robespierre?

The peaceful reign of constitutional laws and the establishment of true democracy.

According to Robespierre, what has France achieved that makes it unique among nations?

France has established true democracy by calling all men to equality and full enjoyment of citizenship rights.

What term does Robespierre use to describe the use of the Republic's power against the 'tyranny of kings'?

The despotism of liberty.

What is the 'soul' of the Republic according to Robespierre's political morality?

Public virtue.

What specific vice does Robespierre equate with the 'foundation of the monarchy'?

Vanity and the pursuit of selfish interest.

How does Robespierre describe the temporary state of a government during a struggle against tyranny?

The Revolutionary Government.

In Robespierre's theory, who are the 'internal enemies' of the people?

Corrupt individuals within the state who prioritize personal gain over equality and the common good.