The Jacobin Club

• What did the Jacobins become?


  The most famous political faction of the French Revolution.
• What were they responsible for in 1793-94?


  The violence and extremism of the most radical period of the Revolution.
• What was the Jacobin Club formerly?


  In a former religious convent on the Rue Saint Honoré in Paris, the politics of the day were discussed.
• When was the Jacobin Club formed?


  In 1789.
• Why was the Jacobin Club initially set up?


  To preserve the gains of the revolution as well as ensure the stability of Paris.
• What was the Jacobin’s main aim?


  To protect the property and interests of the bourgeoisie.
• What did the Jacobin originally charge?


  High entrance fees, and tended to be supported by wealthy liberals who were in favour of constitutional monarchy.
• What was the Jacobin Club proven to be?


  Very popular, with 1200 members in Paris and 152 allied clubs across France by 1790.
• Who was Antoine Barnave and what did he do?


  Initially the key leader of the Jacobins, who drew up the clubs objectives in January 1790.
• What were the club’s main objectives?


  To discuss in advance questions to be decided by the National Assembly.

  To work for the establishment and strengthening of the constitution.

  To correspond with other societies of the same kind which should be formed in the realm.
• What happened to the Jacobin Club in 1792?


  The Jacobin club split.
• What did some of the more radical Jacobins do after the King tried to flee France?


  Signed a petition demanding the removal of the King, where as other Jacobins opposed such measures, and broke away to form their own, more moderate club in favour of constitutional monarchy.
• What did the Jacobins quickly become?


  A republican faction with Maximilien Robespierre as the leader.