Causes of the Terror

• Why is it known as the Terror?

  • References of speeches by Danton and Jacobins
  • Robespierre defined terror, prompt and justice
• October 1793 = Constitution suspended, government of France would be revolutionary until peace
• Saint-Just's justification of the Terror - October 1793

  • No prosperity whilst counter-revolution existed.
  • Non-supporters of the revolution were a threat to it.
• Why did the Terror take place?


  • Eradicate fears of counter-revolution
  • To maintain control over the masses, providing an example of consequences
• Guillotine transformed from humane symbol to a symbol of oppression.
• After the September 1793 Law of Suspects, increase in amount tried by the Revolutionary Tribunal
• September to December 1793 = 180 deaths
• September 1793 = Convention declared enemies must be destroyed before they can destroy the Revolution.