Thermidorian Reaction

• 31st July 1794 - Members of the Plain fill CGS and CPS vacancies, indicates government direction.
• 1st August 1794 - Law of 22 Prairial (denied right to self defence)repealed, many held under it were released. Execution of key figures such as executioner Tinville.
• 10th August 1794 - Revolutionary tribunal reorganised, guillotining's decreased.
• 24th August 1794 - Government reorganisation (less structured).

  • One revolutionary committee per department, breaking sans culottes power
  • Convention members changed monthly, limit CGS and CPS
  • Central government put in committees hands
  • New representants en mission to ensure Jacobin removal from authority
• 31st August 1794 - Paris commune power reduced
• 18th September 1794 - Church and state separated, ended constitutional church.
• 12th November 1794 - Jacobin club closed down and associated societies shut down.
• 24th December 1794 - Law of Maximum repealed
• April 1795 - Representants en mission abolished
• October 1795 - Law of Suspects repealed
• By the end of 1794, moderates were in control of central and local government.
• Joseph Fouche was an important Thermidorian, helping to secure Robespierre's 1794 fall.
• The white terror - purges and campaigns by the Thermidorians against those involved in the terror.
• Jacobins and sans culottes were attacked in the street by Muscadins (bourgeoisie youth). This group aided in removal of Jacobin newspapers and helped defend the Convention in May 1795.
• Violent massacre in Lyons in May 1795, Jacobin prisoners removed from cells and killed.
• Tribunal used until May 1795 as it was used to persecute Jacobins.
• Returning emigres and royalists also posed a significant threat, some sought property and even monarchy restoration.
• February 1795 - Treaty of La Jaunaye with royalist rebels.
• April 1795 -peace agreed with Chouans (royalist).
• Bans on religious dress, symbols and bells to quell hope for Catholic reinstatement. IGNORED BY CLERGYMEN, Convention had to reintroduce loyalty oath in February 1795.
• Thermidorians worked hard to quell foreign matters, victory at Fleurus in June 1794 allowed Austrian Netherland recapture.
• Success of the French army in Spain, forced Spanish peace in July. LEAD TO.. French army going east and reinforcing Alps armies which were facing Austrian allies.
• Verona declaration of June 1795 - promised restoration of monarchy by Louis' brother.