Question
Draw Conclusions Based on this activity and the readings , what was it about the French Revolution that allowed the Reign of Terror to occur? Why do you think it went on for so long? square Type your answer here.
Answer
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Gwenllian
Expert · Tutor for 3 years
Answer
The Reign of Terror during the French Revolution was facilitated by a combination of factors. Firstly, the radicalization of revolutionary ideals and the rise of extremist factions, such as the Committee of Public Safety led by Maximilien Robespierre, played a pivotal role. The revolutionary government's perceived need for extreme measures to safeguard the Republic against internal and external threats contributed to the implementation of the Reign of Terror.Secondly, economic instability and external military pressures fueled anxiety and paranoia among revolutionaries, leading to a harsh crackdown on perceived counter-revolutionaries. The Committee of Public Safety employed mass executions, notably through the use of the guillotine, as a means of asserting control and suppressing opposition.The Reign of Terror endured for an extended period due to a combination of fear, political purges, and the consolidation of power by radical leaders. Robespierre's pursuit of a virtuous and egalitarian society, combined with the atmosphere of suspicion, contributed to a protracted period of mass executions. Additionally, the lack of effective institutional checks and balances allowed the radical leaders to maintain control for an extended duration.In summary, the Reign of Terror was enabled by the radicalization of revolutionary ideals, economic instability, external threats, and the absence of institutional checks. It persisted due to the ongoing perceived need for extreme measures to protect the revolution and the unchecked power of radical leaders.