The Thermidorian Reaction

Question 1

When did the Jacobin Club close?

Answer 1

November 1794

Question 2

Who were the Thermidorians?

Answer 2

Members of the CPS and CGS who executed Robespierre

Question 3

Give 4 ways in which the Convention ended the Terror

Answer 3

• Abolished the Revolutionary Tribunal
• Released all suspects from prison
• Repealed the Law of Prairial (law which allowed the Terror)
• Abandoned centralisation (16 committees)

Question 4

When were price controls removed and what did it lead to?

Answer 4

December 1794 - Massive inflation

Question 5

When was the Germinal and what happened?

Answer 5

April 1795 -

Demonstration of about 10,000 marched on the convention and demanded bread

Question 6

What was the Prairial?

Answer 6

Armed demonstration against the convention for bread, forcing the convention to set up a Food Commission

Question 7

Give 5 reasons why the Prairial Uprising failed

Answer 7

• Workers of Paris were divided (most of the National Guard remained loyal to the Convention)
• There was no institution like the Paris Commune (1792) to co-ordinate their activities
• Political experience
• Had lost the support of the radical bourgeoisie
• Strength of the army and the Convention’s dependence on it

Question 8

Give 4 weaknesses of the Constitution of Year III

Answer 8

• Yearly elections promoted instability
• Councils could refuse to pass laws the Directory ordered
• The directors couldn’t veto laws
• Separation of the Executive and the Legislature

Question 9

What was the Verona Declaration?

Answer 9

A statement issued by Louis XVI’s brother promising to reverse the revolution

Question 10

What was the Vendemaire Uprising?

Answer 10

Royalist uprising against the Convention (due to the 2/3 degree). Quashed by Napoleon