Don’t Lose Your Head

The French Revolution Gets a Little Out of Hand!

First Attempt to Change Things

• In 1791, the French established a constitutional monarchy (a monarchy with established laws) o This weakened the

power of the kingo Gave the people power

to elect a legislative body

Sadly….• The Revolution

became more and more radicalo Within a few months,

they stopped using the constitution

o They arrested the kingo The Legislature took

over the country and became known as the Convention.

Second Round of Changes….

• France became a republic with universal male suffrage (what’s a republic? What’s suffrage?)

• Instituted a draft to fight other countries that might attack them. (what’s a draft?)

Introducing the guillotine!

• To keep the people in line, France began using the guillotine.

• Enemies of the republic (criminals or those rich guys who might try and restore the old ways) were put to death by the guillotine, which was considered a quick death.

• Beheadings became popular entertainment.

Introducing the Jacobins

• The most radical of the revolutionaries belonged to a group called the Jacobins.

• Their leader was Maximilien Robespierre.

• Quickly became a dictator and started the “Reign of Terror” (goodbye republic!)

Reign of Terror• 25000-40000 were put to death in the “Reign of

Terror” as threats to the republic. • Even the King and Queen were put to death.

o Supposedly Marie Antoinette’s last words were “Let them eat cake.” (Not really true)

What goes around….• In 1794,

the National Convention (governing body of the French “Republic”) decided Robespierre was a danger and sent him to the guillotine also.

• So now what??!!

The Defi nition of Irony