After the fall of the monarchy, the 'First Terror' begins as the Paris Commune relentlessly pursues enemies of the revolution. A new revolutionary tribunal is established with unintended consequences. The diary of John Moore provides an eye witness account of priests, prisoners, power struggles, and the city's radical elements. The tensions between the Commune and the Assembly escalate to all out war.
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Quick takeaways
The Paris Commune, acting as a de facto dictatorship, overruled the Legislative Assembly and suppressed civil liberties, leading to the 'first terror' and a power struggle between factions.
The Paris Commune aggressively pursued counter-revolutionaries, conducted police raids and arbitrary detentions, and suppressed the free press, amassing significant power and acting like a national government.
The power struggle between the Paris Commune and the Legislative Assembly intensified the long-standing rivalry between the Girondins and the Montagnards, leading to the establishment of a revolutionary tribunal and deepening the divide between the factions.
Deep dives
Effects of the Second Revolution on the Power Struggle
The Second Revolution in France led to a power struggle between the self-installed Paris Commune and the Legislative Assembly. The Commune, with its support from radical factions and sections of Paris, acted as a de facto dictatorship, overruling the Assembly and exercising authority over the country. The rivalry between the Girondins and the Montagnards intensified during this period, with the Girondins viewing the rise of the Commune and the dominance of figures like Robespierre as a threat to the revolution. The establishment of the revolutionary tribunal was a major point of contention, with the Girondins fearing that it could be used against them.
The Actions of the Paris Commune
The Paris Commune, fueled by suspicions of conspiracy and threats to the revolution, aggressively pursued counter-revolutionaries and engaged in repressive measures. It conducted police raids, arbitrary detentions, and suppressed the free press. The Commune amassed significant power and acted like a national government, dispatching representatives to provinces, requisitioning supplies, and involving itself in the judicial system. Its actions were seen as necessary for national defense but were labeled by some as the 'first terror' due to the suppression of civil liberties.
The Power Struggle and Rivalry
The power struggle between the Commune and the Assembly highlighted the long-standing rivalry between the Girondins and the Montagnards. The Commune, backed by radical sections and clubs, held significant influence over the Assembly, and its demands were often met to avoid further insurrection. The Girondins felt outnumbered and threatened, seeing the Commune's power as unconstitutional and illegal. The rivalry intensified due to personal animosity towards figures like Robespierre, who was seen as seeking power at the expense of the revolution. The establishment of the revolutionary tribunal deepened the divide between the factions.
The Power Struggle Between the Montagnards and Gironde and the Creation of a Revolutionary Tribunal
With the establishment of the Paris Commune and the dominance of the Montagnard faction, tensions between the Montagnards and the Gironde escalated. The Gironde-dominated assembly attempted to dissolve the commune, while the commune, led by Robespierre, called for revolutionary justice and extrajudicial actions. The establishment of a new revolutionary tribunal was proposed, which would have final jurisdiction and no appeals process. The Gironde deputies, fearing tyranny, resisted this idea. However, under the threat of revolutionary violence, the assembly eventually agreed to the tribunal's creation. This power struggle highlighted the deep animosity between the factions and set the stage for further conflict.
Calls for Popular Extrajudicial Justice and Accusations of Treason
Amidst the escalating tension between the Montagnards and Gironde, influential members from both sides exchanged accusations of treason. Marat, a prominent member of the Paris Commune, called for extrajudicial justice, urging the people to break into prisons and kill suspected traitors. Robespierre, leading the Montagnards, accused the Girondeans, including Brissot and his allies, of collaborating with enemy powers. With the support of the commune, Robespierre ordered the arrest of the Gironde leaders. These actions marked a significant turning point in the conflict, paving the way for the elimination of Gironde opponents and setting the stage for the bloodshed that would follow.
The Slow Pace of Revolutionary Justice and Impact on the Rivar of Words
Despite the establishment of the revolutionary tribunal, the proceedings did not proceed as swiftly as desired. The early convictions included a royalist journalist, the king's budget director, and a National Guard secretary. The Gironde deputies became increasingly concerned about the commune's potential misuse of the tribunal. Meanwhile, tensions between the Montagnards and Gironde escalated through a war of words, with Marat and Robespierre leveling harsh accusations against the Girondeans, who resisted the commune's authority. This rivalry created an atmosphere of suspicion, deepened personal animosity, and paved the way for further confrontation.
In the aftermath of the fall of the monarchy, the ‘First Terror’ is unleashed. The new Paris Commune seeks to protect the revolution by relentlessly pursuing its enemies. Most famously, a new revolutionary tribunal is established, although its results produce unintended consequences. As Paris is consumed by conspiracies, the institutional and factional rivalries of the revolution escalate from feuds to all-out war.
Exclusive Bonus Content (Episode Extras)
1. A City in Terror - Hear from the diary of John Moore as he details the treatment of priests and prisoners, the power struggle between the Commune and the Assembly, and the rising influence of the city’s radical elements. A fascinating eyewitness account covering all the major topics of recent episodes!
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About
Grey History: The French Revolution and Napoleon is a podcast dedicated to exploring the complexities of our history. By examining both the experiences of contemporaries and the conclusions of historians, Grey History seeks to unpack the ambiguities and nuances of the past. Understanding the French Revolution and the reign of Emporer Napoleon Bonaparte is critical to understanding the history of the world, so join us on a journey through a series of events that would be almost unbelievable if it weren't for the fact that it's true! If you're looking for a binge-worthy history podcast on the Revolution and Napoleon, you're in the right place! Enjoy the Revolutions podcast? You'll love this!
