Chapter 13: Aftermath of Terror

Question 1

What were features of the Thermidorian reaction?

Answer 1

• attempt to repeal terror & overthrow Robespierre
• removal of revolutionary tribunals
• General Maximum and law of prairial repealed
• religious freedom

Question 2

What was the White Terror?

Answer 2

• attack on ex-terrorists who benefitted from revolution

- groups of royalists attacking them

Question 3

When did the royalist threat peak (July 1794-November 1795)?

Answer 3

• (July 1795) Verona Declaration: Louis’ brother promises to restore monarchy
• (5 Oct 1795) Rising of Vendemaire

Question 4

What was the Vendemaire Uprising?

Answer 4

• after plebiscite bring non-monarchial constitution, 25,000 royalists surround convention, Napoleon fired canons on them and 300 killed

Question 5

What was the Rising of Germinal (1 April 1795)? Why did it fail?

Answer 5

• SC wanted Law of GM and constitution of 1793 back
• 10,000 SC invade Convention, National Guard arrived, SC withdrew without resistance
• Convention then placed Paris under martial law
• failed as protesters were unorganised and unarmed, no support from Montagnards

Question 6

What was the Rising of Prairial (20 May 1795)? Why did it fail?

Answer 6

• SC demand release of Jacobin prisoners, food supply controls and constitution of 1793 back
• armed SC invade Convention
• Convention agreed to food controls but SC failed to disperse
• later negotiated and driven out
• leaders + armed rioters arrested
• Failed as not enough people compared to soldiers, not organised/proper leadership

Question 7

Why was the SC weak in 1795?

Answer 7

• Jacobin clubs shut down
• Law of GM repealed
• Paris Commune abolished
• deregulation of trade (increased bread prices)