The Rise of Robespierre Flashcards
(17 cards)
When did Robespierre first gain national attention and why?
In 1789, when he was elected deputy to the Estates General; he was known for radical views, opposition to slavery and capital punishment, and support for democracy
What was Robespierre’s reputation within the Jacobin Club?
He was seen as an incorruptible and principled politician, gaining prominence as a key radical voice
What political faction did Robespierre lead in the National Convention?
The Montagnards (Jacobins), a radical faction opposed to the moderate Girondins
Who supported Robespierre in the struggle for power, and what did they want?
The sans-culottes supported him; they demanded bread price controls and severe punishment of counter-revolutionaries
What happened during the Journée of 2 June 1793?
Robespierre called for an uprising against “corrupt deputies”; National Guards surrounded the Convention, forcing the arrest of 29 Girondins
What was the result of the Girondins’ trial?
21 Girondin leaders were guillotined on 31 October 1793, removing Robespierre’s main political rivals
What was Robespierre’s relationship with the sans-culottes after rising to power?
He used their support to rise, but later curbed their power to stabilise government, including limiting their meetings and disbanding revolutionary armies
What was the significance of the Law of Frimaire (4 December 1793)?
It established a revolutionary dictatorship by giving full executive powers to the CPS and CGS and weakening the Paris Commune
What two factions challenged the CPS, and how did Robespierre respond?
The Hébertists (wanted more Terror) and Indulgents (Danton’s group, wanted to end it); Robespierre had both arrested and executed
When did the Great Terror occur and what triggered it?
From 10 June to 27 July 1794; it followed the execution of Danton and intensified fear of conspiracies
What did the Law on General Police enable?
The CPS could recruit agents to hunt down counter-revolutionaries across France
What was the purpose of the Law of 19 Floreal?
It gave the Paris Revolutionary Tribunal control over all counter-revolutionary cases
What did the Law of Prairial (10 June 1794) do?
It expanded political crimes, removed legal protections, and limited verdicts to death or acquittal—causing a surge in executions
How did the Law of Prairial affect trial outcomes?
The acquittal rate fell to 20%, and batch trials increased execution speed
What were Robespierre’s religious beliefs?
He opposed atheism and dechristianisation; he believed in a Supreme Being and the soul’s immortality
What was the Cult of the Supreme Being and when was it established?
A civic religion promoting virtue, liberty, and republican values, created in May 1794 with festivals and ceremonies
How was the Cult of the Supreme Being received?
It pleased few and alienated both radicals and traditional Catholics
