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September Massacres
The September Massacres began on September 2 and ended on September 6. It was the mass execution of about 1,200 prisoners in Paris. People believed these prisoners were planning a counterrevolution. This was a sign of violence before the official start of the Reign of Terror and showed the paranoia and social disorder in France. -
The National Convention creates a republic
The monarchy officially ended on September 21 and a republic was established the next day by the National Convention. This event marked the end of the monarchy and a change in the government of France. The new government would give power to figures such as Robespierre who was a leader in the Reign of Terror. -
Execution of King Louis XVI
The trial of King Louis occurred in December 1792 and he was found guilty. He was executed the following January. This was an important event because he was a symbol of the oppression people faced under the monarchy, and his death marked the end of that. His execution also showed the political divide between the Girondins and the Montagnards because these factions did not agree on Louis' execution. -
Committee of Public Safety formed
After Louis was executed, France had a weak military and economy, so the power was given to the Committee of Public Safety. The committee consisted of 12 members, one being Robespierre. This committee gave him more political power which would lead to the Reign of Terror. -
Terror is decreed "the order of the day"
A declaration was made to make terror "the order of the day". This meant that extreme or violent actions were to be taken on those who were suspected to be enemies of the Revolution. This event officially started the Reign of Terror and would be followed by mass executions. -
Law of Suspects established
This law showed what kind of people were suspected to be enemies of the Revolution. It was also created to direct the arrest of these suspects. This law accelerated arrests and added to the paranoia. -
Marie Antoinette executed
Marie Antoinette was arrested with Louis XVI in August 1792, and her trial began on October 14, 1793. She was charged with crimes including sexual abuse of her son and treason. She was found guilty and executed on October 16. This event was important because it was representative of the many killings that occurred during the Reign of Terror. She was also a symbol of the monarchy like Louis, so her death was symbolic of the end of the monarchy. -
Leaders of the Girondins put on trial
Several Girondin leaders were put on trial and executed the next week. This event was important because it showed that the Girondins no longer had power and the Jacobins were the main political party in France. -
Revolutionary Tribunal established
The Revolutionary Tribunal was a system of courts created specifically for enemies of the Revolution. This idea was proposed by Georges Danton. The creation of this system provided a foundation for harsh punishments for those suspected of being counter-revolutionaries. The tribunal would also eventually be used for personal interests and to attack opponents. -
Festival of the Supreme Being
The Cult of the Supreme Being was a religion created by Robespierre. This festival was an event to celebrate the new religion. This event showed that the Catholic Church had lost its authority. It also showed how powerful and influential Robespierre had become. -
Law of 22 Prairial passed by the National Convention
This law stated that suspects were no longer allowed a public trial and could only be acquitted or die. This law shows the violent actions taken during the Reign of Terror and is representative of the extreme views and actions of the time. -
The execution of Robespierre
Robespierre was arrested on July 27, 1794, by the National Assembly. He fled after being taken to prison but was found by the National Convention and executed on July 28 without a trial. This event was important because it marked the end of the Reign of Terror. Robespierre was a leader of this time, so his death weakened the authority of his followers and the Revolution became less radical.