France - 1794: 3D Gallery

Trial and Execution of Georges Danton

On the 30th March, Georges Danton was tried (using a show trial) for crimes against the revolution. Then, on the 5th April, Georges Danton was executed after having a show trial before the Revolutionary Tribunal. This is significant because, show trials were known for pretty much always ending in the execution of the accused and were particularly lawless and unfair. In Danton's case, he was faced with 7 jurors when the law stated the minimum amount needed was 12 and he would've had no witnesses to attest to his innocence, highlighting how corrupt the legislative system had become. As well as this, this was the first time Robespierre proceeded to execute a former friend/colleague, and it later lead to the execution of Desmoulins, an event which caused Robespierre immediate remorse and contributed to his downfall. Many people wanted revenge for the death of both of these men.

Law of 22 Prairial

On 10th June 1794, the Law of 22 Prairial was introduced. This is significant as it marked the start of a much more brutal system of government. The accused were not allowed any defendants or witnesses and the outcome was always either acquittal or death. It meant that citizens were now obliged to enforce justice and had an obligation to incriminate anyone that they believed were against the revolution, this could be a stranger, your neighbour or even a member of your family. Trials were limited to three days so if by day 3 there was still no verdict, the ending would rushed and the punishment often unfair (and fatal). The impact of this law was massive, the number of executions soared and France was thrust into a period known as the Great Terror. The overall response to this was not good and the law was repealed and the man who presided over the revolutionary tribunal executed.

Battle Of Fleurus

On the 26th June 1794, France gained a victory at the Battle of Fleurus. It was the most significant battle of the French Revolutionary Wars as the French were able to defeat the First Coalition. This defeat led to the permanent of the Austrian Netherlands and the destruction of the Dutch Republic. It also marked a turning point for the French army, which continued to ascend throughout the wars. Finally, it meant that the excuse that the Terror was needed due to external war threats on France was no longer valid.

The Thermidorian Reaction

The 27th July marked the beginning of the Thermidorian Reaction, signalling the end of the Terror and the reign of Maximilien Robespierre alongside his CPS committee. Some people, known as Muscadins, turned against the Jacobins and the Sans-Culottes and carried out massacres which became part of an event known as the White Terror. Throughout France, the events of the September Massacres were being repeated however the victims were now imprisoned officials of the Terror. In addition to this, Royal sentiments were becoming more openly tolerated.

The Death of Robespierre

On the 28th July, Robespierre along with his 21 of his associates were executed. This marked the end of the Reign of Terror and the start of the Thermidorian Reaction. The downfall of Robespierre occurred over about 10 days and was caused many a few different factors. Some people feel that his past purges brought about his demise as they installed fear in the people and made them worry about another one, and so would try and get rid of him when given the chance. Another factor was his speech of 9 Thermidor, in which he incrimated a list of people but didn't reveal their names and thus allowed panic to spread and people to want him to be disposed of. Finally, his deteriorating emotional and mental condition meant that he isolated himself and missed meetings, allowing his enemies to speak up without his observation and intervention.

Flatford Mill

Flatford Mill (Scene on a Navigable River) is an oil painting by English artist John Constable, painted in 1816. It is Constable's largest exhibition canvas to be painted mainly outdoors, the first of his large "six-foot" paintings [more]

The Fighting Temeraire

The Fighting Temeraire tugged to her last berth to be broken up, 1838 is an oil painting by the English artist J. M. W. Turner. HMS Temeraire was one of the last second-rate ships of the line to have played a distinguished role in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. [more]

Liberty Leading the People

Liberty Leading the People is a painting by Eugène Delacroix commemorating the July Revolution of 1830, which toppled King Charles X of France. [more]

Ophelia

Ophelia is a painting by British artist Sir John Everett Millais, completed between 1851 and 1852. It depicts Ophelia, a character from Hamlet, singing before she drowns in a river in Denmark. [more]

The Music Lesson

The Music Lesson or Lady at the Virginals with a Gentleman by Jan Vermeer, is a painting of young female pupil receiving the titular music lesson. [more]

Username:
Password:
Submit Cancel
Not a member? JOIN NOW!

France - 1794