The Thermidorian Reaction refers to the period following the fall of Maximilien Robespierre and the radical phase of the French Revolution, which occurred in July 1794 during the month of Thermidor in the revolutionary calendar. This reaction marked a significant shift away from the extreme measures of the Reign of Terror, leading to a relaxation of political repression and a return to more moderate governance.
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The Thermidorian Reaction began on July 27, 1794, when Robespierre was arrested and executed, ending the Reign of Terror.
This period saw the dismantling of the Committee of Public Safety, which had previously held significant power during the Revolution.
The reaction led to a wave of political purges as moderates sought to eliminate radical influences within the revolutionary government.
Socially, there was a backlash against the extremes of the Reign of Terror, resulting in a return to more traditional values and norms in French society.
The Thermidorian Reaction set the stage for the establishment of the Directory, which faced challenges such as corruption, economic instability, and popular discontent.
Review Questions
How did the Thermidorian Reaction change the political landscape of France following Robespierre's execution?
The Thermidorian Reaction significantly altered France's political landscape by ending the radical policies of the Reign of Terror and reducing the influence of extremist factions like the Jacobins. With Robespierre's execution, moderates regained control, leading to a more lenient governance approach. This shift allowed for a broader political spectrum but also created a power struggle among various factions vying for influence during this transitional period.
Analyze the consequences of the Thermidorian Reaction on social attitudes and norms in post-Revolutionary France.
The Thermidorian Reaction resulted in a notable shift in social attitudes and norms within France as people reacted against the radical excesses experienced during the Reign of Terror. Many sought stability and a return to traditional values, leading to increased public support for moderation in politics. The atmosphere became less tolerant towards extreme measures, promoting a desire for peace and normalcy that affected cultural and social expressions in French society.
Evaluate how the events following the Thermidorian Reaction laid the groundwork for future political developments in France, including the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The events following the Thermidorian Reaction set a precedent for future political developments in France by highlighting the instability inherent in revolutionary regimes. The Directory struggled with corruption and inefficiency, failing to address pressing social and economic issues. This discontent created an environment ripe for a strong leader to emerge, ultimately paving the way for Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power as he capitalized on public desire for order and stability amidst chaos.
A period during the French Revolution characterized by extreme political repression and mass executions, primarily orchestrated by the Committee of Public Safety.
Directory: The government established in France after the fall of Robespierre, which was marked by a more conservative and corrupt political regime that struggled with economic issues and public dissatisfaction.
Jacobins: A radical political group during the French Revolution known for their support of revolutionary ideals and their role in initiating the Reign of Terror.