13.1.6

The Terror

Test yourself

The Terror

After the Storming of the Bastille, measures were taken to make French society more equal and representative. But the political changes caused chaos in France and led to violence and terror.

Illustrative background for Counter-revolutionariesIllustrative background for Counter-revolutionaries ?? "content

Counter-revolutionaries

  • There were some people in France who thought that the revolution had gone too far and was spiralling out of control.
  • These people were counter-revolutionaries, meaning they opposed the revolution.
Illustrative background for The Law of SuspectsIllustrative background for The Law of Suspects ?? "content

The Law of Suspects

  • A committee was set up to crush these counter-revolutionaries.
  • It was called the Committee of Public Safety and was led by a man called Maximilien Robespierre.
  • This committee passed the Law of Suspects, which granted the government the right to execute counter-revolutionaries or anyone who threatened the revolution.
Illustrative background for ‘The Terror’ Illustrative background for ‘The Terror’  ?? "content

‘The Terror’

  • This was the beginning of a period known as ‘The Terror’ led by extreme revolutionaries, known as Jacobins.
  • They were led by Robespierre and executed people they suspected of being counter-revolutionary using a device called the guillotine (this was used to behead people).
Illustrative background for Robespierre's execution Illustrative background for Robespierre's execution  ?? "content

Robespierre's execution

  • 40,000 suspected counter-revolutionaries are estimated to have been killed in this way during The Terror.
  • France was in chaos, but the worst of this chaos came to an end on 27th July 1794 AD when Robespierre was himself executed by guillotine.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium