Reign of Terror

The Reign of Terror: The period from 1793 to 1794 is referred to as the ‘Reign of Terror’ in France. Robespierre followed a policy of severe control and punishment. Many people were arrested and tried by a revolutionary tribunal (court). They included all those people who were considered enemies (including ex-nobles, clergy and members of political parties) of republic by Robespierre.

If the court found them guilty, they were guillotined. Robespierre’s government made laws placing a maximum ceiling on wages and prices. Meat and bread were rationed. Peasants were forced to transport their grain to the cities and sell it at the prices fixed by the government.

The use of expensive white flour was forbidden. People were forced to eat the pain d’egalite (equality bread), a loaf made of whole wheat. Instead of Monsieur (Sir) and Madame (Madam), all French men and women were called as Citoyen and Citoyenne (Citizen).

Churches were shut down and their buildings were converted into barracks or offices. Robespierre became a virtual dictator of France. Due to his hard policies, his supporters left him in the end. He was finally convicted by a court and guillotined in July 1794 and the 'REIGN OF TERROR' ENDED WITH HIS DEATH.

A Directory Rules France: After the fall of the Jacobins, the wealthier middle classes seized power. A new Constitution was introduced which denied the vote to non-propertied society. It provided for two elected legislative councils.

These councils appointed a Directory, an Executive made up of five members. It was meant as a safeguard against the concentration of power in a one man executive. Often the Directors clashed with the legislative councils and were dismissed.

This political, instability paved the way for the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. The ideals of freedom, equality and fraternity remained inspiring ideals that motivated political movements for France and the rest of the Europe.

Sample Questions

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Question : 1

Which of the following laws were issued by Robespierre's government ? (i) Maximum celing on wages and prices was placed (ii) The peasants were to sell the grain according to their own decided prices (iii) Equality to be practised through forms of speech and address (iv) More churches to be opened
A. Both (i) and (ii)		B. Both (i) and (iii)
C. All (i), (ii) and (iii)		D. All (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
Right Option : B
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Question : 2

Which of the following policies was adopted by Robespierre ?
A. Live and let live		B. Severe control and punishment
C. Freedom of speech		D. Interference
Right Option : B
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