+ ñThe Revolutionary government established a dictatorship in 1794, which began the Reign of Terror.ñ
During 1794, the Revolutionary government overcame the many threats that had seemed to threaten its survival the previous year. The federalist movement of the Girondins was defeated, the revolt in the Vendee had largely been overcome, and the Austrians and Prussians had been repulsed. But the economic crisis worsened and popular unrest increased. The sans-culottes dominated the political and social forum with the intent of pushing the Revolution on an even more radical course. Symbols of the new order proliferated: a revolutionary calendar was adopted and the state was increasingly shorn of its Christian trappings.
~The rise of Robespierre~
Under the direction of Maximilien Robespierre (1758-94), the Committee of Public Safety imposed its dictatorial rule over the nation. The ultra-radical ºhΘbertistsº took control of the sans-culotte movement, although they were later destroyed by Robespierre's faction. When the followers of Danton tried to change the political course of events and end the Reign of Terror, Robespierre had them arrested and guillotined. Robespierre intended to implement an ideal society of small landowners founded on equality and virtue. Anyone who stood in his way was to be eliminated. With his pale complexion and green eyes, Robespierre dominated the Convention with the force of his conviction. Encouraged by a small group of devoted associates, such as Louis Antoine Saint-Just (1767-94) and Georges Couthon (1755-94), and with support from the Jacobins, he asserted that "the only foundation of civil society is morality. Immorality is the basis of despotism". On 8 June 1794, Robespierre presided over the Festival of the Supreme Being, which seemed to confirm his position as the sole leader of a revolution based on his conception of republican virtue.
~The end of Jacobin rule~
Robespierre's dictatorship did not last long, however, and its end was sudden and violent. Many other members of the Convention resented Robespierre's autocratic powers, and, fearful for their own safety, they looked for an opportunity to unseat him. The Convention got its chance on 26 July 1794, when Robespierre grandly attacked a number of Convention members during a debate. To his surprise, the men were vigorously defended by other members. Criticism of Robespierre's rule spread quickly through the streets of Paris. The next day, the Convention voted for the arrest of Robespierre, confident that the alienated sans-culotte masses would not come to his aid. In an event known by its revolutionary calendar name of "9th Thermidor", Robespierre and his followers were seized after a brief struggle. They were tried and sent to the guillotine. In the space of only two days, the Jacobin dictatorship had been overthrown.ñ
