Changes in Government from 1790 to 1795 in France: A Rollercoaster Ride of Revolutions

1. The Rise of the National Assembly (1789-1792)

⭐The French Revolution Begins: In 1789, France was in a state of crisis. The monarchy was broke, the people were hungry, and there was widespread dissatisfaction with the way the government was run. The commoners, tired of being treated like second-class citizens, stormed the Bastille on July 14th, 1789. This event sparked the French Revolution.
⭐The National Assembly: The newly formed National Assembly, comprised mostly of commoners, took control of France. They wanted a more just and fair government, with power invested in the people. They declared the "Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen," a document echoing the ideals of the American Revolution, promoting freedom, equality, and fraternity.
⭐The Monarchy Under Attack: The King, Louis XVI, initially resisted the National Assembly's changes. Fearful of losing their power, the nobility and clergy also opposed the reforms. This led to increasing tension and violence.
⭐The Reign of Terror Begins: The National Assembly attempted to create a new constitution, but the country remained unstable. Suspicion and fear ran rampant, as people accused each other of being enemies of the revolution. This atmosphere of paranoia led to the rise of radical factions like the Jacobins, who sought to eliminate all opposition to their ideals.

2. The Reign of Terror (1793-1794)

⭐Maximilien Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety: A radical leader, Maximilien Robespierre, gained control of the Committee of Public Safety. The Committee had been formed to combat counter-revolutionary forces during a period of war with Austria and Prussia.
⭐The Guillotine: Robespierre and the Committee used the guillotine, a brutal instrument of execution, to silence anyone deemed an enemy of the revolution. This included not just nobles and clergy but also ordinary citizens accused of treason or being a "counter-revolutionary." The Reign of Terror saw the execution of thousands of people, including Louis XVI himself.
⭐A Nation in Fear: Life under Robespierre was a constant state of anxiety. People were afraid to speak their minds and even whispered criticism could lead to a death sentence. The Reign of Terror, despite its radical ideals, proved to be a devastating and inhumane period in French history.

3. The Directory (1795-1799)

⭐The End of the Reign of Terror: The Reign of Terror ultimately backfired. The Committee's own members began to fear for their lives and eventually turned against Robespierre, executing him in 1794. This marked the end of the Reign of Terror.
⭐A New Government: A new constitution was established in 1795, creating a new government called the Directory. The Directory was a five-member executive body that was supposed to be more moderate and less radical than the Committee of Public Safety.
⭐Challenges and Instability: However, the Directory faced many challenges. It had to deal with ongoing wars, economic instability, and internal political divisions. This period was a time of continued conflict and instability in France.
⭐The Rise of Napoleon: Amidst the chaos, a young military leader named Napoleon Bonaparte rose to prominence. His success in military campaigns and his charisma made him increasingly popular. He would eventually seize power in a coup d'état, ending the Directory and ushering in a new era in French history.

In Conclusion: The period from 1790 to 1795 in France was a tumultuous one, marked by revolution, violence, and instability. The National Assembly's initial attempts to reform the government quickly gave way to the Reign of Terror, a period of radical extremism and widespread violence. The Directory, created to replace the Terror, struggled to establish stability and eventually was overthrown by Napoleon Bonaparte. This period left a lasting impact on French society and politics, profoundly shaping the future of the nation.