The sans-culottes demanded more changes, including voting rights and the removal of Louis XVI. The new, more radical, National Convention replaced the Legislative Assembly. This was the first French parliament elected by French men, regardless of class. France was declared a republic in September 1792. Over 1,000 people deemed ‘enemies of the revolution’ were executed during the September Massacres.
In December 1792, Louis was put on trial for treason. He was found guilty by 387 votes to 334. Louis was executed by guillotine in January 1793.
This caused shock waves across Europe and many countries feared revolution would spread beyond France. These fears contributed to the causes of war between France and the countries of Britain, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands.
Did You Know?
The origins of the French guillotine date to late 1789, when Dr Joseph-Ignace Guillotin proposed that the French Government adopt a gentler method of execution. Guillotine executions became large public events. During the 1790s, a two-foot replica became a popular children’s toy. Public beheadings continued until 1939.