The Radical Period of The French Revolution Essay -- European Europe H

The Radical Period of The French Revolution By the finis of 1971, Europe was preparing to witness the end of aseemingly triumphant revolution in France. The country was restructuringits government in a forceful and bloodless manner, while the tyrant KingLouis the 16 agreed to the demands of the masses (albeit without muchchoice). However, due to the fanatical aspirations of men such as Danton,Marat and Robespierre,it would be only a matter of months before themoderate storey of social and political reform was transformed into aradical phase of barbaric and violent force. In their quest for emancipation,equality and fraternity, the leaders of the Jacobins inadvertently rancidthe revolution into an oligarchic dictatorship that threatened to destroyall that was achieved in the previous two years of insurrection. The revolution took a sharp turn on August 9th, 1792. The Municipalgovernment was overthrown in Paris and a Commune was established by theleaders of the radical force s. During this time there were continual nutrientriots erupting in every area of the country and, with the threat of waragainst Austria and Prussia looming, it was vital that revision was to bemaintained during such tumultuous times. Although the constitution wasalready enshrined and the citizens had their freedom and liberties, therewas still plenty of public dissent and disapproval as to whether or notthese laws would help create a new government and hold back the country frombreaking apart. The people had come this far and were not prepared to watchtheir efforts lead to failure or the restoration of an absolute monarch. Asa result, the radical forces were able to gain the support of the citizensin declaring that the ... ...) whoallegedly opposed the will of the Jacobins, and therefore opposed the willof the republic. Robespierre never intended to justify his ends finishedsuch violent means. 1793 marked a year that could have been prevented, a period that shouldnever have befallen the liberated citizens of France. Mirabeau warned thatthe destruction of the Monarchy would plunge the country into outlawry andhis words rang true. France was not prepared for such social and politicalupheaval, and the resulting shift towards a republic would change thecountry forever. The Jacobins discarded their holy bible, the constitution,in order to ensure the security and stability of the country. Not only didtheir hasty actions backfire, but the tens of thousands of lives thatperished during their reign symbolized the radical stage of the revolutionin all its bloody glory.