6.1. 4 The Rise And Fall Of The Jacobin Republic

Summary

The transcript details the turbulent period of the French Revolution, focusing on the shift from the Girondin to the Jacobin leadership, and the establishment of the Reign of Terror. It discusses the political divisions between the Girondins, Jacobins, and the Montagnards, along with the economic and social crises that led to radical government measures. The Committee of Public Safety, under Robespierre's leadership, intensified the Terror to safeguard the revolution, leading to the execution of thousands. Despite the violence, the revolution aimed to democratize France and empower the common people, though ultimately the dream of a fully democratic society would be realized later in history.

Takeaways

• 😀 The French Revolution began in 1789 with the goal of creating a more democratic and egalitarian society, but it quickly became marked by internal political strife.
• 😀 The Girondins, representing the bourgeoisie, advocated for free trade and liberal economic policies, while the Jacobins, representing the common people, pushed for a more controlled economy with price regulations.
• 😀 Economic instability and the threat of foreign intervention led to increasing radicalization and the establishment of the Reign of Terror, during which the revolutionary government used extreme measures to suppress dissent.
• 😀 The Reign of Terror was marked by mass executions and the establishment of revolutionary tribunals, with Robespierre at the helm of the radical Jacobins.
• 😀 The September 1793 insurrection in Paris triggered the full onset of the Terror, with the government attempting to enforce price controls and centralize power, leading to widespread violence and repression.
• 😀 In a bid to eliminate counter-revolutionaries, the government abolished Christianity, closing churches and repurposing religious sites, like the Notre Dame, as 'Temples of Reason'.
• 😀 The Committee of Public Safety, under Robespierre, was responsible for the violence of the Terror, including the execution of thousands in the name of preserving the revolution.
• 😀 The fall of Robespierre in 1794 marked the end of the Jacobin Republic and the beginning of the Thermidorian Reaction, where more moderate forces regained power.
• 😀 Despite the violence, the French Revolution helped establish foundational democratic principles, with ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity taking hold, even if they weren't fully realized during the period.
• 😀 The dream of a democratic and egalitarian state was shattered by the Terror but would be revived in the future, with the revolution's ideals continuing to influence political change in France and beyond.

Q & A

What was the central theme of the French Revolution discussed in the transcript?

The central theme revolves around the political, social, and economic upheaval during the French Revolution, including the rise of the Third Estate, the quest for democracy, the Reign of Terror, and the establishment of a republic, followed by the failure and eventual realization of democratic ideals.

What role did the Third Estate play in the French Revolution?

The Third Estate, comprising the common people, played a pivotal role by challenging the social hierarchy and pushing for a more democratic society. They represented the majority of the population and sought to dismantle the privileges of the aristocracy and clergy.

Why was the new French Constitution never implemented?

The new constitution, which aimed to democratize France and empower the people, was never implemented due to political instability, external threats, and internal conflicts, including the struggles between various factions like the Girondins and Jacobins.

What were the main goals of the revolutionary government, and how were they contradicted?

The revolutionary government's main goals were to establish a welfare state and empower the people. However, these goals were contradictory because while they aimed for empowerment, they also sought control over the people's power, limiting true democratic participation.

How does Richard Corbett's quote about the end of Thermidor relate to the revolution's ideals?

Richard Corbett’s quote about the end of Thermidor highlights that while the revolution faced a failure with the fall of Robespierre and the Reign of Terror, it represented an aspiration for greater democracy. The revolution's ideals of equality and democracy were broken, but they left a lasting influence on future political change.

What was the significance of the Reign of Terror, despite its violence?

The Reign of Terror, although marked by violence and executions, had a positive side in that it sought to preserve the revolution by eliminating perceived enemies. It also laid the groundwork for the eventual democratization of France, even if it did not succeed in achieving its ideal vision.

What happened to the Girondins, and how did this impact the revolution?

The Girondins, who initially controlled the Convention, lost power due to their inability to address economic problems and military crises. Their downfall allowed the more radical Jacobins to take control, leading to the Reign of Terror and further political radicalization.

What economic measures were introduced by the Jacobins, and how were they received?

The Jacobins introduced measures like the law of the maximum, which controlled prices on essential goods like bread, and sought to establish a minimum wage for workers. However, these policies were unpopular with the bourgeoisie and led to dissatisfaction among those who felt the revolution's economic control was too extreme.

How did the Jacobins approach religion during the revolution?

The Jacobins pursued a de-Christianization campaign, attempting to replace religious symbols with revolutionary ones. They also promoted secular festivals like the Festival of Reason, aiming to reduce the influence of the church and establish a new revolutionary culture.

What was the Thermidorian Reaction, and how did it change the direction of the revolution?

The Thermidorian Reaction occurred after the fall of Robespierre in July 1794. It marked a shift towards moderation in revolutionary politics, ending the Reign of Terror and leading to a more cautious and less radical phase in the revolution, where economic and political control was less centralized.