The Republic

National Convention

The ruling body in France established to draft a new constitution and oversee the government during the revolution.

sans-culottes

Radical working-class militants of the French Revolution, wearing long trousers instead of the breeches of the nobility.

Committee of Public Safety

A special committee established by the National Convention, dominated by Jacobins, to control the government during the Reign of Terror.

Reign of Terror

Period during the French Revolution characterized by extreme violence and mass executions of perceived enemies of the revolution.

guillotine

A device used for carrying out executions by beheading, seen as a humane method by revolutionaries.

Republic of Virtue

Robespierre's vision of a democratic republic composed of virtuous citizens.

de-Christianization

The campaign to reduce the influence of Christianity in France during the revolution, involving the closure of churches and the adoption of a new calendar.

coup d’état

A sudden overthrow of the government; notably used by Napoleon Bonaparte to seize power in France.

Girondins

Political faction that represented areas outside Paris, generally concerned about radicalism.

The Mountain

Radical political group in the National Convention, associated with the Jacobins and supporting strong measures against the monarchy.

Louis XVI

King of France whose execution marked a significant turning point in the French Revolution.

Maximilien Robespierre

Radical leader of the Committee of Public Safety, associated with the Reign of Terror until his own execution.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen

Fundamental document of the French Revolution, asserting individual rights and equality before the law.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Military leader who overthrew the Directory in 1799 and established himself as ruler of France.

Council of 500

Lower house of the legislature established by the Constitution of 1795, responsible for drafting laws.

Council of Elders

Upper house of the legislature established by the Constitution of 1795, tasked with approving or rejecting laws.

Committee of Public Safety

The ruling body during the Reign of Terror that sought to eliminate threats to the Revolution through extreme measures.