The Reign of Terror

September 10, 2012

The Women’s March

• In October 1789 thousands of women rioted because bread had gotten so expensive

• They broke into the Palace of Versailles, killed some guards and kidnapped the Royal Family

• They were brought them back to Paris and put them under house arrest.

• The Royal Family, in disguise tried to flee France, but they were recognized and returned to Paris.

The Guillotine

• A new device for executions had been developed in France

• It was considered quick and painless, easy to use and cheap to operate.

• Louis XVI was executed in 1793, then his wife and then many nobles.

The Reign of Terror

• After the death of Louis XVI radicals called Jacobins had seized control in France.

• Maximilien Robespierre led this group.• Thousands of people lost their heads during this

time.• Eventually, the people of France turned against

Robespierre and he was killed.• The Reign of Terror end when the more moderate Directory to control of the government

Assignment: Build up to Revolution

• List 5 main events that led up to the revolution?

• Rank them most important to least important• Classify each as an economic, political or social

issue, technological• Explain why your #1 reason is the most

important