Origin of Reign of Terror
Since the French Revolution’s early days, there had been a constant undercurrent of fear and paranoia. This violent period seigneurial emerged primarily due to the revolutionary government’s fear and desire to protect itself during the revolution. The first act of terror occurred on 22nd July, 1789 when a Paris mob brutally killed royal minister Joseph Foullon and his son-in-law amid fears of an aristocratic plot to starve the people. The fear spread among peasants which led to raids on the châteaux of their seigneurial lords due to rumors occurred occurred of counter-revolutionary activities by the aristocracy. The following events occured due to widespread fear and anxiety:
- Conflicts with other countries
- Depreciation of the assignedCounter-revolutionary currency
- Continued scarcity of affordable bread
- Poverty, starvation, and unemployment
Counter-revolutionary agents were blamed for people’s hardships. Actions by the Revolution’s enemies, such as the Brunswick Manifesto threatening the destruction of Paris, reinforced the notion that the people’s liberty was in grave danger.
A few events led to the belief that the French citizens were the most dangerous enemies of the Republic.
- The September Massacres of 1792: Thousands of counter-revolutionaries and priests were killed by mobs.
- 1793: counter-revolutionary threats everywhere including brutal civil wars and the assassination of Marat.
Reign of Terror – Origin, Causes, & Effects
The Reign of Terror was a period during the French Revolution that took place between September 1793 to July 1794. Extreme violence and mass executions were a part of Maximilien Marie Isidore de Robespierre’s strict policy of control and punishment. The reign of terror targeted perceived enemies of the revolution which involved various counter-revolutionaries and suspected traitors. All those considered enemies of the republic, members of other political parties, and even those of the same party who did not agree with Robespierre’s methods were charged. Thousands of aristocrats, clergymen, and ordinary citizens were executed by guillotine. This period ended with the fall of Robespierre and the Thermidorian reaction in July 1794.
Furthermore, let us dive into a detailed understanding of the Reign of Terror and the relevant figures involved in it.
Table of Content
- Origin of Reign of Terror
- Causes of Reign of Terror
- Major Tools of Terror
- Maximilien Robespierre
- End of Reign of Terror
- Aftermath of the Revolution
- Present-day Context
- Conclusion
- FAQs: Reign of Terror