vicious attack on the Catholic peasants of a region in France called La Vendeé, some in the National Convention thought Robespierre had gone too far. When he attempted to increase the power of the Committee and allow for even more executions, some of the Convention knew they had to act.
On the night of 28 July 1794, Robespierre and many of his supporters were arrested and sent to the guillotine. With the death of Robespierre the bloodiest period of the revolution came to an end and a new five-member committee called the Directory was set up to rule France.
Source F
Looking at the evidence
This is a French caricature of Robespierre from 1793.
1. What do you think the artist is saying in this image? Give reasons for your answer.
2. There are two types of people in the soup. Name both and give reasons for your answer.
3. Do you think the artist supports or opposes Robespierre? Give reasons for your answer.
RECALL
1. How did the Jacobin political club get its name? 2. What was Robespierre’s nickname and how did he get it?
3. Name two laws that the Committee of Public Safety passed and explain what these allowed the Committee to do.
4. For what reason do you think Robespierre was executed?
5. Outline how the Directory came into power.
HISTORICAL EMPATHY
6. Write about Robespierre using the following headings as guidelines: • Biographical background • Involvement in the revolution • Organisations or groups with whom he was associated