The Reign of Terror: From Chaos to Control

The Reign of Terror

Was it Justified?

Overview: The French Revolution began in 1789 as an attempt to form a new government in France_ It was a revolution that did not follow a simple path.

This Mini-Q asks you to consider the revolutionary values expressed above, and the means used by the French revolutionary government to put those values in place.

​Revolutionary emblem showcasing the ideals of 'Unity, Indivisibility of the Republic; Liberty, Equality, Fraternity', adorned with the iconic Phrygian cap and tricolor. The stark inclusion of 'or Death' ominously hints at the extreme measures of the Reign of Terror, where revolutionary ideas morphed into justification for violence.

The Reign of Terror

• Causes: "A storm brews from political chaos, economic despair, and looming foreign shadows."

• Lead Up: "The flames of revolution ignite, radical voices rise, and a king falls beneath the guillotine's blade."

• Objective: "A fierce grip on power, with eyes fixed on snuffing out the whispers of disagrement."

• Methods: Mass executions, surveillance, and censorship

• Impact: Thousands executed, fear and paranoia, and consolidation of power

Absolute monarchs with little consideration for the majority

The Rule:

France's debt due to wars and aid to America

The Troubles of Louis XVI:

Starvation, high bread prices, bad grain harvest, and an unfair tax system

Domestic Issues:

Multiple Choice

What were the causes, methods, and impact of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution?

• 1. Causes:Overthrowing the monarchy,

  2. Methods: Peaceful protests,

  3. Impact: Economic boom.

• 1. Causes: Desire for absolute monarch,

  2. Methods: Writing letters,

  3. Impact: Introduction of democracy.

• Causes: Shortage of monarchs,

  Methods: Baking bread,

  Impact: Creation of new art forms.

• Causes: Lack of education,

  Methods: Building schools,

  Impact: Increase in literacy rates.

• Causes: Political instability, economic crisis, external threats,

  Methods: Mass executions, surveillance, censorship,

  Impact: Thousands executed, widespread fear, power consolidation.

Powerful group vowing to create a new Constitution after betrayal from First and Second Estate

June 20, 1789:

Storming of the Bastille by Parisians to get ammo and weapons to fight the government.

July 14, 1789:

Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen ensuring "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity"

August 26, 1789:

Reign of Terror:

Causes: Political instability, economic crisis, and fear of counter-revolution.
Methods: Revolutionary Tribunals, mass executions, and surveillance.
Impact: Thousands executed, suppression of opposition, and consolidation of power for the Committee of Public Safety.

Reorder

"Enlightenment thoughts began to spread, shaping minds and what they said. A distant land sought freedom's embrace, igniting hopes in another place. From prison walls to guillotine's slice, ideals turned cold, paying the price. As pendulums swing and balances shift, a leader emerged, bridging the rift."

Can you trace these tales, both bright and grim, and arrange them in the order they begin?

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau pens "The Social Contract," laying philosophical groundwork for democratic governance and individual freedom.

• • The United States declares its independence from the British Empire, marking the establishment of a new democratic republic.

• • The Storming of the Bastille takes place in Paris. This event becomes a potent symbol and pivotal moment in the French Revolution.
    

• • France experiences the Reign of Terror, a period characterized by extreme political repression and mass executions.

• Napoleon Bonaparte establishes himself as the virtual dictator of France, setting the stage for his imperial ambitions.

1

2

3

4

5

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

• Benefits: Half the adult male population given voting rights

• Opposition: Nobility and Catholic Church due to loss of property and power

• International Opposition: Monarchs in neighboring countries fearing spread of revolution

Reforms and Their Opposition

Multiple Choice

Which term refers to a ruler with unrestricted power?

• Absolute monarch

• Revolutionary leader

• Estate noble

• Guillotine operator

• Revolutionary Council

Multiple Choice

In 18th-century France, what assembly was called upon by Louis XVI to address the financial crisis?

• Congress
• Estates-General
• Parliament
• National Assembly
• House of Representatives

Multiple Choice

What term from the French Revolution symbolizes unity and brotherhood?

• Fraternity
• Equality
• Sorority
• Liberty

Multiple Choice

Which term describes individuals who advocate for extreme political reform?

• radicals
• moderates
• conservatives
• traditionalists
• reactionaries

Multiple Choice

What was the device used for public executions during the French Revolution?

• firing squad
• electric chair
• noose
• sword
• guillotine

Multiple Choice

Which term describes the 18-month period of the French Revolution characterized by mass executions?

• Age of Enlightenment
• Reign of Terror
• Napoleonic Era
• Industrial Revolution
• Glorious Revolution

Multiple Choice

Following the Reign of Terror, what type of government was put in place that leaned towards traditional values?

• Monarchy
• Communism
• Fascism
• Anarchy
• Conservative

The Reign of Terror

The Committee of Public Safety was a powerful governing body during the French Revolution. It was established to maintain order and protect the revolution from internal and external threats. Led by Maximilien Robespierre, the committee implemented radical measures, including the use of the guillotine, to suppress counter-revolutionary activities. The Reign of Terror, characterized by mass executions and political repression, lasted from 1793 to 1794.

​Members of the Committee of Public Safety, responsible for numerous executions during the Reign of Terror, are satirically depicted with exaggerated features and red Phrygian caps, symbols of revolution. The paperwork and gestures hint at their controversial decisions, all under a dark and critical atmosphere.

Maintaining Order in Revolution

The Committee of Public Safety was established during the French Revolution to maintain order and protect the revolution. It was given broad powers to suppress counter-revolutionary activities and ensure the success of the revolution. Led by Maximilien Robespierre, the committee implemented policies such as the Reign of Terror to eliminate opposition and maintain control.

Multiple Choice

What was the purpose of the Committee of Public Safety during the French Revolution?

• To establish a monarchy in France

• To promote economic reforms

• To maintain order and protect the revolution

• To negotiate peace with other countries

Multiple Choice

Who played a crucial role in the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution?

• Maximilien Robespierre

• Napoleon Bonaparte

• Marie Antoinette

• Louis XVI

• Danton

The Reign of Terror

• Maximilien Robespierre played a crucial role in the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution.
• As a leader of the Committee of Public Safety, Robespierre implemented radical policies to suppress counter-revolutionary activities.
• Under his rule, thousands of people were executed, leading to a period of intense fear and control.
• Robespierre's reign ended with his own execution, marking the end of the Reign of Terror.

Maximilien Robespierre

Trivia: Maximilien Robespierre played a crucial role in the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. He was a prominent figure in the Committee of Public Safety and was known for his radical policies. Robespierre's reign was marked by mass executions, with thousands of people losing their lives. His rule ended with his own execution in 1794.

From Chaos to Control

Robespierre started as a beacon of hope for revolutionaries, driven by a desire for equality. However, his relentless pursuit of radical ideals, leading to the Reign of Terror, caused widespread fear. This, coupled with political missteps, eventually precipitated his downfall. His legacy remains as a testament to the complexities of leadership during times of upheaval.

Multiple Choice

What is the main focus of the text?

• The Fall of Robespierre

• Chaos to Control

• Robespierre's Role

• Legacy

The Aftermath of the Reign of Terror

• The Reign of Terror: A period of violence during the French Revolution
• Causes: Political instability, economic crisis, and fear of counter-revolution
• Effects: Thousands executed, suppression of opposition, and consolidation of power
• Legacy: Shaped modern concepts of justice and human rights

Trivia: The Reign of Terror during the French Revolution was characterized by political instability and economic crisis. It was driven by fear of counter-revolution and the consolidation of power. The suppression of opposition and the execution of thousands of people were also key aspects. This period shaped modern concepts of justice.

Causes and Effects

Multiple Choice

Which character most embodies the ideals of the Enlightenment at the beginning of the play?

• Isabelle
• Louis
• Claire
• Jean
• Rousseau

Multiple Choice

What central concern does Isabelle voice throughout the play?

• D. The insignificance of the Enlightenment
• A. The need for a peaceful revolution
• C. The benefits of a revolution
• B. The dangers and unpredictability of a revolution

Multiple Choice

Based on Act 2, how does the Reign of Terror impact the main characters' perceptions of the revolution?

• Some become disillusioned, while others double down on their beliefs
• They all become more supportive of it
• They all regret their previous actions
• They all remain unchanged in their views

Multiple Choice

What is the significance of Claire's accusation in Scene 2 of Act 2?

• C. It demonstrates the shift from revolutionary ideals to suspicion and paranoia
• D. It emphasizes the role of women in the revolution
• B. It highlights the internal threats to the revolution
• A. It showcases the importance of loyalty

Multiple Choice

How does Louis' character transformation throughout the play reflect broader societal changes during the Reign of Terror?

• A. It shows the unwavering support of the revolution and for the rise of monarchy

• B. It depicts the the loss of support for the revolution faced by many who once supported the cause

• C. It emphasizes the importance of personal loyalty to Robespierre
• D. It underscores the role of the Jacobins in shaping public opinion

Multiple Choice

In the final scene, what does Jean's remorse signify about the play's message regarding revolutionary ideals?

• The ends always justify the means
• Revolutionary ideals are always misguided.
• Feeling regret shows a leader's weakness.
• The results always justify the actions taken.
• Good intentions can lead to unexpected and negative outcomes.

Open Ended

The Enlightenment ideals of "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" influenced the French Revolution. Do you think the Reign of Terror upheld or betrayed these ideals? Provide examples from the play.

Poll

📚 The play touches on Enlightenment ideas. Which Enlightenment principle do you think is most important in today's world?

• • Liberty: The freedom to live and think as one wishes

• • Equality: Everyone deserves the same rights and opportunities

• • Fraternity: Brotherhood and unity among people

• • Social Contract: Mutual agreement between the people and the government