Danton essays

Danton essays Although the French Revolution was a huge turning point in European politics and set the foundation for changes ahead, there are many misfortunes that came from it. The National Guard, the Paris Commune, the September Massacre, are all words that the French would prefer us not to hear. These events were a subtle denouement to a climax that was filled with both blood and pain. The Reign of Terror, or the Great Terror, was a massive culmination to the horror of the French Revolution, the gutters flowing with blood as the people of Paris watched with an entertained eye. The power at the time of the Great Terror was in the hands of a newly formed Public Safety Commission headed by Robespierre. Another influential member of the nine man committee was a lawyer, Danton, who was a popular leader of the Revolution. Between these two men the responsibility of many deaths during the Great Terror lies. In 1794 the atmosphere of Paris was one of fear, paranoia, starvation and suffering. Great changes were taking place and the country was still trying out their new form of government. Peasants had the authority to search wagons for those believed to be against the revolution. People addressed each other as citizen _______, with the idea of one another being fellow citizens of the republic. The death of thousands was not restricted to the lower classes, all men despite social stature were in danger of going to the guillotine, even clergy. Street names were changed, a new calendar was introduced, and the abolishment of the church, though this did not last. The war of a political nature raged silently in France, as the different factions of the Convention dared not fight openly. Upon returning to Paris from foreign duties, Danton immediately took the side of Robespierre, condemning the Enrages and the Hebertists, who were behind much of the over killing. However, Robespierre would not ...