Evaluate the impact of Robespierre on the French
Revolution.
“Robespierre’s politics have often been seen as synonymous with the
Revolution itself. He encapsulated what was best – and worst – about the
Revolution. He was a tireless advocate for liberty and equality, yet, to
defend these principles, he was prepared to adopt the Terror.
Nevertheless, he was only one man amongst many, and we may ask why
it is that revolutionary ideology as a whole has so often been identified
with this one individual.”
Marisa Linton
Paragraph 1: His role in the CPS
CPS set up in 1793 – formed what some historians call the ‘Great
CPS’
o Robespierre was most influential member – he provided the
main policy link with the National Convention, Jacobin club
and Paris Commune
o Within six months of its creation it was dominated by radicals
began to operate autonomously from the legislature
o By late 1793 Committee was effectively directing the
National Convention rather than acting on its behalf
o Issues and arrested suspects of counter-revolutionary activity
End of 1793 clear that policies of Jacobin government had been
successful as revolts had been defeated and foreign troops driven
from France
o Possible for CPS to exert control over sans-culottes
o National Convention declared that sections of the Paris
Commune should only meet twice a week
o Limited ability of sans culottes to organise and influence
events
Law of Frimaire 1793 – established Revolutionary Government
o Confirmed that CPS and CGS had full executive powers
o Disbanded all revolutionary armies except that in Paris
o Went against earlier revolutionary ideas of decentralisation of
government
o Handed the committee de facto executive government while
declaring the National Convention the ‘sole centre of
government initiative’
CPS given sole power to appoint deputies to other committees,
passed Law of Suspects and Law of the Maximum
o Powers encouraged CPS to take a more active, interventionist
role in government, war policy and national security
Paragraph 2: His role in dechristianisation
Revolution.
“Robespierre’s politics have often been seen as synonymous with the
Revolution itself. He encapsulated what was best – and worst – about the
Revolution. He was a tireless advocate for liberty and equality, yet, to
defend these principles, he was prepared to adopt the Terror.
Nevertheless, he was only one man amongst many, and we may ask why
it is that revolutionary ideology as a whole has so often been identified
with this one individual.”
Marisa Linton
Paragraph 1: His role in the CPS
CPS set up in 1793 – formed what some historians call the ‘Great
CPS’
o Robespierre was most influential member – he provided the
main policy link with the National Convention, Jacobin club
and Paris Commune
o Within six months of its creation it was dominated by radicals
began to operate autonomously from the legislature
o By late 1793 Committee was effectively directing the
National Convention rather than acting on its behalf
o Issues and arrested suspects of counter-revolutionary activity
End of 1793 clear that policies of Jacobin government had been
successful as revolts had been defeated and foreign troops driven
from France
o Possible for CPS to exert control over sans-culottes
o National Convention declared that sections of the Paris
Commune should only meet twice a week
o Limited ability of sans culottes to organise and influence
events
Law of Frimaire 1793 – established Revolutionary Government
o Confirmed that CPS and CGS had full executive powers
o Disbanded all revolutionary armies except that in Paris
o Went against earlier revolutionary ideas of decentralisation of
government
o Handed the committee de facto executive government while
declaring the National Convention the ‘sole centre of
government initiative’
CPS given sole power to appoint deputies to other committees,
passed Law of Suspects and Law of the Maximum
o Powers encouraged CPS to take a more active, interventionist
role in government, war policy and national security
Paragraph 2: His role in dechristianisation
