French Revolution – Radical Stage- Essay, Research Paper
French Revolution – Radical Stage-
By the end of 1971, Europe was preparing to witness the end of a
seemingly triumphant revolution in France. The country was
restructuring its government in a forceful and bloodless manner, while
the tyrant King Louis the XVI agreed to the demands of the masses
(albeit without much choice). However, due to the fanatical
aspirations of men such as Danton, Marat and Robespierre,it would be
only a matter of months before the moderate stage of social and
political reform was transformed into a radical phase of barbaric and
violent force. In their quest for freedom, equality and fraternity,
the leaders of the Jacobins inadvertently turned the revolution into
an oligarchic dictatorship that threatened to destroy all that was
achieved in the previous two years of insurrection.
The revolution took a sharp turn on August 9th, 1792. The
Municipal government was overthrown in Paris and a Commune was
established by the leaders of the radical forces. During this time
there were continual food riots erupting in every area of the country
and, with the threat of war against Austria and Prussia looming, it
was vital that order was to be maintained during such tumultuous
times. Although the constitution was already enshrined and the
citizens had their freedom and liberties, there was still plenty of
public dissent and disapproval as to whether or not these laws would
help create a new government and prevent the country from breaking
apart. The people had come this far and were not prepared to watch
their efforts lead to failure or the restoration of an absolute
monarch. As a result, the radical forces were able to gain the support
of the citizens in declaring that the constitution of 1791 was
ineffective and useless since it did not suit the needs of ALL the
population of France. Moderate forces preferred to concentrate on the
foreign affairs of “new” France, but the radicals insisted on domestic
stability first. Led by the popular Danton and the merciless Marat,
the Paris Commune discarded the old constitution and called for a
National Convention to begin work on a new, revised version.
The National Convention, divided by the moderate Girondins and
the radical Jacobins, was the place where the future of the country
was to be eventually determined. It was the premise of the Jacobins
that they should eradicate the “enemy within” and secure the destiny
of the revolution through the destruction of counter-revolutionary
forces. They believed that by weeding out those who opposed the
revolution, they could achieve their goals quickly and efficiently.
The Girondins were not so quick to agree with the Jacobins, and so
political deadlock begin to form in the Convention. It was not until
after the September massacres, when 1200 prisoners were executed
without trials, that Robespierre and his followers were able to
justify their premise. They condemned the actions of the unruly mobs
that caused the deaths of innocent Frenchmen and demanded that the
Monarchy be abolished in order to eliminate as many of the royalists
and monarchists that still remained. It was Marat with his want
100,000 heads to fall” speeches that convinced the masses that those
who were not in favour of the revolution had to be dealt with
immediately or the revolution would never succeed.
Once the Monarchy was abolished and France was declared a
republic, Robespierre and the Jacobins proceeded to demand the
execution of the last symbol of the old regime: Louis Capet. The
Girondins begged for a stay of execution for the fallen King (in the
name of constitutional Justice), but the moderate forces were
overwhelmed by the people’s support for the radicals and the fate of
Louis remained unchanged. His death signified the beginning of a time
when nationalism and radicalism would dominate the revolution. On
March 10th, the Revolutionary Tribunal was created in order to
prosecute the enemies of the revolution. Marat became a virtual Grim
Reaper in searching out possible traitors and enemies of the republic.
When the Committee on Public Safety was established on the 26th,
Robespierre and his Jacobins were able to proudly look upon the
reforms that they had injected into the political bloodstream of
France. There was no turning back from the radical phase that the
people had oluntarily entered and the momentum that the Jacobins had
captured placed them in a position of highest authority and almost
unlimited power.
By the summer of 1793, the people of France began feeling that
something had gone wrong, terribly wrong. In what would be known as
the infamous “Reign of Terror”, the National Convention, spearheaded
by the radical zeal of Marat and the infallibility of Robespierre,
began persecuting any person who was suspected of opposing the
revolution. Even the moderate Girondins were accused of
counter-revolutionary actions and were expelled from the Convention.
What was once a legislative, two-sided body had now become an
authoritarian oligarchy led by radicals. Although the masses had
finally deposed the tyrant who had oppressed them for so many years,
they were now being oppressed by an executive group that was ruling
the country without the safeguards of a constitution. Thousands were
dying without the aid of civil liberties or rights and any citizen
accused of treason was deemed guilty until proven innocent. In a
desperate attempt to slow down the intentions of the Jacobins, Marat
was mur ed by Charlotte Corday and Danton began speaking out against
all radicals who were contributing to the deaths of innocent citizens.
Unfortunately, this was to be a stage in the revolution that could not
be undone even with the leadership of Danton. The closing chapters of
the radical stage were filled with the executions of the Girondins and
other suspects (Hebert) who allegedly opposed the will of the
Jacobins, and therefore opposed the will of the republic. Robespierre
never intended to justify his ends through such violent means.
1793 marked a year that could have been prevented, a period that
should never have befallen the liberated citizens of France. Mirabeau
warned that the destruction of the Monarchy would plunge the country
into anarchy and his words rang true. France was not prepared for such
social and political upheaval, and the resulting shift towards a
republic would change the country forever. The Jacobins discarded
their holy bible, the constitution, in order to ensure the security
and stability of the country. Not only did their hasty actions
backfire, but the tens of thousands of lives that perished during
their reign symbolized the radical stage of the revolution in all its
bloody glory.
Другие работы по теме:
Славин, Морис
Введение 1 Биография 2 Сочинения 3 Эссе 4 Публикации Введение Морис Славин (1913, Киев — 2006) — американский историк. 1. Биография Родился в Киеве, на Украине. Жил и преподавал в Огайо, США. Ученый Национального университета Янгстауна, специалист в области истории Франции, работы по истории Французской революции.
French Revolution 2 Essay Research Paper Have
French Revolution 2 Essay, Research Paper Have you ever thought, “Did the world just become the way it is gradually over time, or was there an actual turning point that can be referred to?” The answer is yes there was an actual turning point, the French Revolution. The French Revolution was a turning point in European political and social history, and was a period that changed the outcome of world history dramatically.
Napolean Bonaparte Essay Research Paper Napoleon Bonaparte
Napolean Bonaparte Essay, Research Paper Napoleon Bonaparte ? French Revolution Napoleon was the cure of the French Revolution when he came to power. It would be impossible to put them together. From what was chaos throughout France during the Revolution, came a new government that Napoleon created. He was able to balance the government?s budgets and setting up national banks thus helping and supporting the economy of France.
The Revolutionary Trend Essay Research Paper In
The Revolutionary Trend Essay, Research Paper In every revolution, there seems to be a few guidelines that it must follow. It seems that almost all revolutions, in their radical phases, tend to have the characteristics of excessive cruelty, extreme violence, and denials of the rights of freedom. But the question that befuddles many is why they always become this way.
Jewish Societies Essay Research Paper Until the
Jewish Societies Essay, Research Paper Until the late 18th century, The Jewish societies all over the world were treated unfairly. Hatred and discrimination were used against because of their
Are Changes In Society Due To An
Evolution Of Thin Essay, Research Paper Are changes in society due to an evolution of thinking or as a result of the forces of nationalism? The word revolution, when referring to government systems, means, great change, a violent overthrow of the present government. The French revolution did involve a great change and the effects of the new ideas spread across Europe, abolishing the feudal system and traditional thinking.
The Congress Of Vienna Essay Research Paper
the Congress of Vienna This essay is about the effects of the French Revolution on Europe, the Congress of Vienna, and its goals. It will tell about the role of Nationalism,
The Scarlett Pimpernell
’s Relationship Towards The French Revolution Essay, Research Paper The Scarlett Pimpernell’s relationship towards the French Revolution The fictional story “The Scarlett Pimpernell” by Baroness Orczy portrayed many factual events pertaining to the French Revolution and also created an interesting story to captivate an audience.
The Influence Of Enlightenment On The French
Revolution Essay, Research Paper What is enlightenment? The 18th century Enlightenment was a movement of the intellectuals who dared to prove all the aspects in life scientifically. German philosopher Immauel Kant proclaimed the motto of the enlightenment : ?Dare to know!: Have the courage to use your own intelligence!? People were greatly impressed by the scientific revolution.
French Revolution 4 Essay Research Paper The
French Revolution 4 Essay, Research Paper The causes of the French Revolution, being provoked by this collision of the powers of the rising bourgeoise and an sinking aristocracy defending its privileges, was the Financial debt of the government and the long-standing political differences in the government.
French Rev Essay Research Paper The year
French Rev Essay, Research Paper The year 1989 marks the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution. To celebrate, the French government is throwing its biggest party in at least
The Rights Of Slaves During The French
Revolution Essay, Research Paper The Rights of Slaves During the enlightenment and the French Revolution, controversies arose over the issue of slavery. The trading of slaves was increasing. In 1783, under five thousand slaves were being transported and by 1792, the number was well above thirty thousand.
The American Revolution Led To The French
Revolution Essay, Research Paper The French had many problems during the American Revolution. These problems started when the French agreed to give the Americans supplies. The Americans thanked them but the French did the wrong thing for their country. They gave a lot of their supplies that they needed at home to the Americans.
Napoleon Essay Research Paper Revolutionary Leaders
Napoleon Essay, Research Paper Revolutionary Leaders The effects of the French Revolution were far reaching in terms of both place andtime. The political revolution evolved and changed government like a geological palatialshift changes landscape dramatically and violently. Leaders of the revolution rose andfell radically, all influencing this new ideal.
The Impact Of Graphic Art On The
French Revolution Essay, Research Paper The Impact of Graphic Art on the French Revolution Art has allways been an important part of history. Sometimes it is even able to change or influence
Major Battles Of The American Revolution Essay
, Research Paper The American Revolution began on April 19, 1775, when British soldiers and American patriots clashed at Lexington, Massachusetts, and at nearby Concord. The war lasted eight years. It ended on September 3, 1783, when Britain signed the Treaty of Paris, which gave independence to the United States.
Revolutions
– A Justified Means Of Change? Essay, Research Paper Since the beginning of time, revolutions have directed the progression of most societies. Not only have they improved the lives of many, but they have also been the cornerstones to building some of todays most powerful and democratic countries. Most people have heard of the French and American Revolutions, however history tells us there have been hundreds more, from small town Revolution to major countries.
Book Reviews On Politics In 17Th Century
Europe Essay, Research Paper The two journals that I chose to use for my reviews were History and Theory: Studies in the Philosophy of History published at Wesleyan University, and Renaissance Forum. I will be looking at two reviews of historical Books written about two very different places and themes.
What Caused The French Revolut Essay Research
Paper What Caused the French Revolution? France had a large population and prosperous trade during the 1700’s. It was considered to be the most advanced country of Europe. However, when high taxes and disturbing questions about the Enlightenment were sprung upon the French citizens, mainly the Third Estate of the Old Regime, the people needed a change.
The Causes Of American Revolution Essay Research
Paper The American Revolution was a dramatic change in the political, social, and economic system of New England. It was not a bloody revolution; on the contrary it is unique because it was not as violence as other revolutions we know (French, Russia and China).
John Doe Essay Research Paper French Revolution
John Doe Essay, Research Paper French Revolution “Revolutions evolve in definite phases. At first they are moderate in scope, then they become radical to excess and finally they are brought to abrupt conclusions by the emerg…
American And French Revolution Essay Research Paper
Compare and Contrast the American and French Revolutions. Many revolutions begin with the outbreak of violence, which is often a response to heightened repression or other extraordinary demands from government against their people. The American Revolution is an obvious example of this. The violence took the form of the Revolutionary War and Congress became the leadership.
French Government Essay Research Paper The modern
French Government Essay, Research Paper The modern French government is run very much like the government of the United States. France is a democratic republic that is divided into three branches,
Was The French Revolution Revolutionary Essay Research
Paper Robert Darnton writes this small essay and tries to decide what exactly was revolutionary about the French Revolution. Just because it was a revolution does not make it revolutionary. Darnton explores this idea throughout his article. As Darnton develops the essay, he detail three main things that he believes made the French Revolution revolutionary: the involvement of such a large portion of the nation, the idea of popular sovereignty and the incredible amount of death the occurred during this time period.
Frehch Revolution Essay Research Paper The French
Frehch Revolution Essay, Research Paper The French Revolution The French Revolution of 1789-1799, had a great impact not only to the people in France, but to rest of Europe, and the entire world. The major cause of the French Revolution was the disputes between the different types of social classes in French society.
French Revolution Essay Research Paper The French
French Revolution Essay, Research Paper The French Revolution began on 1789. It is the most darkest period of France s history, blended with confusion and chaos which many innocent victims were killed or
Causes Of The French Revolution 2 Essay
, Research Paper Causes of the French Revolution On July 14, 1789, several starving working people of Paris and sixty soldiers seized control of the Bastille, forever changing the course of French history. The seizing of the Bastille wasn t caused by one event, but several underlying causes such as the Old
Russian Revolution VS French Revolution Essay Research
Paper The Russian Revolution (1917-1939) and the French Revolution (1789-1815) were very similar and dissimilar in long-term causes, immediate causes, stages of the revolution, and the world?s reaction to the revolution.
Was The French Revolution Preventable Essay Research
Paper The French Revolution was a major transformation of the society and political system of France, lasting from 1789 to 1799. During the course of the Revolution, France was changed from an absolute monarchy, to a republic of supposedly equal and free citizens. The effects of the French Revolution were widespread, both inside and outside of France, and impacted all of Europe.