Execution & Reign of Terror

The Execution of Louis XVI

• Amidst war and political tension, a radical Maximillian Robespierre, suggested changes. 
    
• The Assembly split into radicals and monarchists, Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette were arrested, and a new Republic announced on 21 Sep 1792.
   
• They were both executed following trial in January 1793, Louis shortly after and Marie Antoinette in October.
   
• The Republic now had to fight external and internal opposition.

Reign of Terror

• In 1793, Robespierre led Committee of Public Safety oversaw 300,000 arrests and 40,000 executions, of those who threatened change.
   
• Church power was curtailed.
   
• Eventually Robespierre was arrested himself by the National Convention for going too far.
   
• A new National Convention struggled to create a new order.