What was ‘government by terror’?
Government by intimidation and centralisation of power (socially, politically, economically), using fear, coercion, and intimidation. Associated with the Republic & Jacobin-led National Convention, Sept 1792–July 1794.
When did France declare war on Austria?
20 April 1792.
Why did France declare war on Austria?
- Radical encouragement & political advantage (Girondins argued war would unite the nation and expose Louis XVI as a liability).
- Louis XVI believed it would make him look strong.
- Fear of counter-revolution (émigrés forming army camps along borders).
- Desire to improve economy.
- Pre-emptive strike due to Austrian hostility & Declaration of Pillnitz.
When and why did Prussia enter the war against France?
June 1792
To restore the monarchy, maintain order, and prevent revolutionary ideas spreading; also allied militarily with Austria.
Why did war start badly for France?
- Divided army (royalists vs revolutionaries).
- Lafayette defected.
- Many experienced generals fled as émigrés.
- Poorly equipped and underfunded army.
What examples show France’s early defeats?
- General Dillon murdered in mutiny.
- April–May 1792: failed invasion of Austrian Netherlands (defeats at Mons & Tournai).
Causes of the 20 June 1792 Journee?
- Louis XVI’s excessive vetoes.
- Fear of counter-revolution during wartime.
- Radical agitators & Sans-Culottes.
- Economic hardship and inflation worsened by war (assignats).
Consequences of the 20 June 1792 Journee?
- Increased support for republicanism.
- Legislative Assembly passed La Patrie en Danger (11 July 1792): Call to arms. Passive citizens allowed to join National Guard & Paris Commune → more radicalisation. Louis XVI’s veto suspended and fédérés camp established (patriotic volunteers).
Causes of the 10 August 1792 Journee?
- Economic grievances.
- War and the Brunswick Manifesto (threats to Paris).
- Failures of moderate leaders.
- Sans-Culottes’ growing organisation & revolutionary agitators (Marat, Danton, Robespierre; created Revolutionary Insurrectionary Committee on 9 Aug).
Consequences of the 10 August 1792 Journee?
- End of the Constitutional Monarchy (King arrested and imprisoned in Temple).
- Violence escalated (700 Swiss Guards killed).
- Strengthened Sans-Culottes’ power.
- Early steps toward the Terror and establishment of Extraordinary Tribunals.
What was the name for the radical volunteers who joined the National Guard in 1792?
Fédérés.
In September 1792, the Legislative Assembly was replaced by which body?
The National Convention (21 September 1792).
When was France declared a Republic?
22 September 1792.
What factions made up the National Convention?
Jacobins, Girondins, and La Plaine (The Plain).
How did the factions differ politically, socially, and economically?
Politically: Girondins wanted federalism; Jacobins wanted a highly centralised government in Paris.
Socially: Both opposed mob rule, but Jacobins valued Sans-Culottes’ role.
Economically: Girondins supported free trade for bourgeois interests; Jacobins also supported free trade but backed price controls to appease Sans-Culottes.
Which faction initially held power in the National Convention?
The Girondins (supported by La Plaine; promoted the war and appointed Dumouriez as commander).
Why did the tide of war turn in France’s favour in September 1792?
Rise of a more patriotic army.
What evidence shows French military success?
- Victory at Battle of Valmy (20 Sept 1792) against Prussians.
- Victory at Battle of Jemappes (6 Oct 1792) — conquered Austrian Netherlands.
- Edict of Fraternity (19 Nov 1792) — promised to spread Enlightenment and liberation.
- Expansion to ‘natural frontiers’: Belgium, the Rhine, Savoy, and Nice (Sept 1792–Jan 1793).
Who acted as judge and jury at Louis XVI’s trial?
The National Convention, claiming to represent the people.
Why was Louis XVI found guilty?
Evidence of correspondence with enemies; viewed as betraying the Revolution.
What were the main divisions over Louis XVI’s punishment?
Jacobins: execute him. Girondins: imprison him as a bargaining tool; feared martyrdom.
How did the Jacobins secure Louis XVI’s execution?
- Marat demanded public voting to intimidate deputies.
- Marat later published names of those voting ‘no,’ inciting violence against Girondins.
When was Louis XVI executed?
21 January 1793 at Place de la Concorde.
What was the significance of Louis XVI’s execution?
- End of Constitutional Monarchy and establishment of a Republic.
- Alarmed European monarchies.
- Sparked civil war within France (e.g. Vendée, Chouan rebellion).
- Demonstrated Jacobin dominance and radical strength.
- Widened rift between Paris-based Jacobins and national Girondins.
- Did not pacify Sans-Culottes — increased tension with Girondins.
