The date 9 Thermidor holds immense significance in the history of the French Revolution. It marks the day that Maximilien Robespierre, once the architect of the Reign of Terror, met his downfall. But why is this pivotal event referred to as “9 Thermidor”? The answer lies within the revolutionary calendar adopted during that tumultuous period.
The French Revolutionary Calendar: A New Way to Measure Time
To understand the significance of “9 Thermidor,” it’s crucial to grasp the context of the French Revolutionary Calendar. This calendar, officially adopted in October 1793, was more than just a system for tracking days; it was a deliberate attempt to break from the old order and embrace the ideals of the revolution.
Rejecting the Gregorian System
The Gregorian calendar, with its roots in Christianity and monarchy, was deemed incompatible with the revolutionary spirit. The revolutionaries sought a calendar that reflected their values of reason, nature, and the republic.
Structure of the New Calendar
The Revolutionary Calendar featured:
* Twelve months of 30 days each.
* Each month was divided into three “décades” of ten days.
* The tenth day, the “décadi,” replaced the traditional Sunday as the day of rest.
* Five additional days were added at the end of the year, called “sans-culottides,” dedicated to virtues like Genius, Labor, and Opinion.
* Each day within the decade was named using ordinal numbers: Primidi, Duodi, Tridi, Quartidi, Quintidi, Sextidi, Septidi, Octidi, Nonidi, and Décadi.
Naming the Months: Nature and Agriculture
The most distinctive feature of the Revolutionary Calendar was the names assigned to each month. These names were derived from nature, agriculture, and the seasons, reflecting the agrarian roots of the French society and the emphasis on reason and observation. The months were:
- Vendémiaire (September 22 – October 21): Time of the grape harvest.
- Brumaire (October 22 – November 20): Time of mists and fogs.
- Frimaire (November 21 – December 20): Time of frost.
- Nivôse (December 21 – January 19): Time of snow.
- Pluviôse (January 20 – February 18): Time of rain.
- Ventôse (February 19 – March 20): Time of wind.
- Germinal (March 21 – April 19): Time of germination.
- Floréal (April 20 – May 19): Time of flowers.
- Prairial (May 20 – June 18): Time of meadows.
- Messidor (June 19 – July 18): Time of harvest.
- Thermidor (July 19 – August 17): Time of heat.
- Fructidor (August 18 – September 16): Time of fruit.
The Events of 9 Thermidor: Robespierre’s Fall
Now, let’s connect the calendar to the events surrounding Robespierre’s downfall. The date in question, 9 Thermidor, corresponds to July 27, 1794, in the Gregorian calendar. This was the day that the tide turned dramatically against Robespierre and his allies.
Rising Tensions and Opposition
By the summer of 1794, the Reign of Terror had reached its peak. Robespierre, as a leading member of the Committee of Public Safety, held immense power. However, his increasingly authoritarian tendencies and the escalating number of executions fueled growing opposition. Many feared they would be the next victims of the relentless purges.
Robespierre’s Isolation and Paranoia
Robespierre’s own behavior contributed to his isolation. He became increasingly withdrawn and paranoid, delivering vague but menacing speeches that alienated even his former supporters. He accused unnamed enemies of plotting against the revolution, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
The Dramatic Session of the National Convention
On 8 Thermidor (July 26, 1794), Robespierre delivered a lengthy speech to the National Convention, denouncing his enemies but refusing to name them. This only intensified the anxiety and suspicion. The following day, 9 Thermidor, the storm broke.
The session of the National Convention was chaotic and tumultuous. Robespierre and his allies were repeatedly shouted down and prevented from speaking. Accusations flew, and a decree was passed ordering the arrest of Robespierre, his brother Augustin, Couthon, Saint-Just, and Lebas.
Arrest and Resistance
Robespierre and his allies were initially taken to different prisons. However, some of the prison officials, sympathetic to Robespierre, refused to incarcerate them. They eventually gathered at the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), attempting to rally support for an insurrection.
The Assault on the Hôtel de Ville
The National Convention, now controlled by Robespierre’s enemies, declared him an outlaw and ordered troops to storm the Hôtel de Ville. In the ensuing chaos, Robespierre was shot in the jaw – it is unclear whether he attempted suicide or was shot by a gendarme. Other Robespierrists, including his brother Augustin and Lebas, died.
Execution and the End of the Terror
On 10 Thermidor (July 28, 1794), Robespierre, along with approximately 21 of his closest associates, were executed by guillotine in the Place de la Révolution (now Place de la Concorde). The execution marked the end of the Reign of Terror and a significant turning point in the French Revolution.
The Significance of the Term “9 Thermidor”
“9 Thermidor” is more than just a date; it has become a symbolic term representing the end of radical excess and the beginning of a new phase in the French Revolution. It encapsulates the overthrow of Robespierre and the dismantling of the machinery of the Terror.
A Turning Point in the Revolution
The events of 9 Thermidor signaled a shift away from the radical policies and widespread executions that had characterized the Reign of Terror. While the revolution continued, the Thermidorian Reaction, as the period following Robespierre’s fall is known, sought to moderate the revolution and establish a more stable government.
A Symbol of Overthrowing Tyranny
The term “9 Thermidor” has also taken on a broader meaning, often used to describe the overthrow of a tyrannical or authoritarian regime. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the potential for revolutionary ideals to be corrupted.
Historical Interpretations and Debates
The events surrounding 9 Thermidor have been the subject of intense historical debate. Historians continue to analyze the motivations of the key players, the extent of Robespierre’s culpability, and the long-term consequences of the Thermidorian Reaction. Some view Robespierre as a ruthless dictator, while others see him as a dedicated revolutionary who became a victim of the very forces he unleashed. The complexities and nuances of this period continue to fascinate and challenge historians today.
The Thermidorian Reaction: What Followed Robespierre’s Fall
The period following 9 Thermidor, known as the Thermidorian Reaction, was characterized by a significant shift in political and social attitudes. The excesses of the Reign of Terror were repudiated, and efforts were made to establish a more moderate and stable government.
Ending the Reign of Terror
The most immediate consequence of 9 Thermidor was the end of the Reign of Terror. The Law of Suspects, which had allowed for the arbitrary arrest and execution of suspected enemies of the revolution, was repealed. Political prisoners were released, and the power of the Committee of Public Safety was curtailed.
Economic and Social Changes
The Thermidorian Reaction also brought about significant economic and social changes. Price controls were lifted, leading to inflation and economic instability. The wealthy elite regained influence, and there was a resurgence of luxury and extravagance. Social divisions deepened, and the gains made by the sans-culottes during the Reign of Terror were largely reversed.
The Directory: A New Form of Government
In 1795, a new constitution was adopted, establishing the Directory, a five-man executive body, as the governing power. The Directory was intended to provide a more stable and moderate government than the radical regime of the Reign of Terror. However, it was plagued by corruption, political infighting, and economic problems.
The Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte
The Directory proved to be unstable and ineffective. It was eventually overthrown in 1799 by Napoleon Bonaparte, who established a military dictatorship and ultimately became Emperor of France. Napoleon’s rise marked the end of the revolutionary period and the beginning of a new era in French history.
The Legacy of 9 Thermidor
The events of 9 Thermidor continue to resonate today. It serves as a reminder of the complexities and contradictions of revolution, the dangers of extremism, and the importance of safeguarding individual rights and liberties.
Lessons for Future Generations
The story of Robespierre’s fall and the Thermidorian Reaction offers valuable lessons for future generations. It highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between revolutionary fervor and the rule of law, and the need to protect against the abuse of power, even in the name of noble ideals.
The Enduring Relevance of the French Revolution
The French Revolution, with all its triumphs and tragedies, remains a pivotal event in world history. It inspired movements for democracy and social justice around the globe, and its ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity continue to resonate in contemporary society. Understanding the events of 9 Thermidor is essential for comprehending the complexities and enduring legacy of the French Revolution.
The fall of Robespierre, forever linked to the date “9 Thermidor,” represents a complex and pivotal moment in the French Revolution. It serves as a potent reminder of the cyclical nature of power, the dangers of extremism, and the enduring struggle to balance revolutionary ideals with the principles of justice and moderation. The Revolutionary Calendar, though short-lived, immortalized this turning point, forever etching “9 Thermidor” into the annals of history as a symbol of the end of one terror and the beginning of another, albeit a different kind, of uncertainty.
Why is the event called 9 Thermidor?
The event is called 9 Thermidor because it occurred on the 9th day of Thermidor in the French Revolutionary calendar. This calendar was adopted in 1793 and aimed to remove all religious and royalist influences from the French year. Thermidor was the eleventh month of this calendar, roughly corresponding to July and August in the Gregorian calendar.
The French Revolutionary calendar was intentionally designed to create a break with the past, so naming the event after a date in this calendar emphasized its revolutionary character. Therefore, the 9th of Thermidor, Year II (July 27, 1794), became synonymous with the fall of Robespierre and the end of the Reign of Terror.
Who was Robespierre, and what was his role in the French Revolution?
Maximilien Robespierre was a lawyer and politician who became one of the most influential figures of the French Revolution. He was a staunch advocate for radical democratic ideals and became a leading member of the Committee of Public Safety during the Reign of Terror. His unwavering commitment to republican virtue and his willingness to use extreme measures to eliminate perceived enemies made him both admired and feared.
Robespierre’s role was central to the Revolution’s most radical phase. He advocated for the execution of King Louis XVI, played a key role in suppressing counter-revolutionary movements, and promoted policies aimed at establishing a virtuous republic. However, his increasing power and the widespread use of the guillotine led to growing opposition, culminating in his overthrow on 9 Thermidor.
What were the main causes that led to Robespierre’s downfall?
Several factors contributed to Robespierre’s downfall. The Reign of Terror, which he oversaw, had become increasingly brutal, leading to widespread fear and resentment. The Law of 22 Prairial, enacted shortly before his fall, further streamlined the judicial process, resulting in a surge of executions and intensifying the climate of terror. This heightened the sense of injustice and arbitrary power, alienating even some of Robespierre’s former allies.
Furthermore, Robespierre’s perceived aloofness, his increasing isolation, and his vague accusations of conspiracy against members of the National Convention fueled suspicions that he was planning a dictatorship. Many deputies feared that they would be the next victims of his purges, and a coalition formed to overthrow him before he could consolidate even more power.
What happened on 9 Thermidor, Year II (July 27, 1794)?
On 9 Thermidor, a coalition of deputies in the National Convention denounced Robespierre and his allies. Robespierre attempted to defend himself, but his voice was drowned out by the uproar. He and his close associates, including Louis Antoine de Saint-Just, were declared outlaws, meaning they were no longer protected by the law and could be arrested immediately.
Attempts by Robespierre’s supporters to rally troops in his defense were unsuccessful. He and his followers were arrested and taken to the Hôtel de Ville (city hall). After a brief standoff, the National Guard stormed the Hôtel de Ville, capturing Robespierre and his allies.
What was the immediate aftermath of Robespierre’s arrest?
Immediately after their capture, Robespierre and his close associates were imprisoned. Robespierre had suffered a jaw wound during the arrest, likely self-inflicted. Without a trial, Robespierre, Saint-Just, and twenty other Robespierrists were executed by guillotine on 10 Thermidor, Year II (July 28, 1794).
The execution of Robespierre and his followers marked a turning point in the French Revolution. It effectively ended the Reign of Terror, and the Thermidorian Reaction began, a period characterized by a relaxation of revolutionary fervor and a shift towards a more moderate political stance.
What was the Thermidorian Reaction, and what were its main characteristics?
The Thermidorian Reaction was a period of political and social upheaval in France that followed the fall of Robespierre and the end of the Reign of Terror. It represented a backlash against the radical policies of the Jacobins and a move towards a more conservative and moderate government. The Jacobin clubs were closed, political prisoners were released, and economic controls were loosened.
Key characteristics of the Thermidorian Reaction included a dismantling of the revolutionary tribunals, a revival of commerce and industry, and a more lenient approach to émigrés (French aristocrats who had fled the country during the Revolution). There was also a cultural shift, with a rejection of revolutionary austerity and a return to more lavish lifestyles. The Thermidorian Reaction ultimately paved the way for the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
What is the lasting significance of 9 Thermidor in the context of the French Revolution?
The 9 Thermidor represents a crucial turning point in the French Revolution, marking the end of the Reign of Terror and the beginning of a period of reaction and instability. It demonstrated the inherent dangers of unchecked power and the potential for revolutionary fervor to spiral out of control. It also highlighted the fragility of revolutionary governments and the constant struggle between radical and moderate factions.
The event serves as a cautionary tale about the excesses of political extremism and the importance of safeguarding individual rights, even during times of crisis. Although the Thermidorian Reaction did not lead to a stable and lasting republic, it set the stage for subsequent political developments, including the rise of Napoleon and the eventual establishment of a new political order in France.