The Radical Stage of The French Revolution (1792-1793) By the end of 1971, Europe was preparing to witness the end of a seemingly triumphant revolution in France. The country was restructuringits government in a forceful and bloodless manner, while the tyrant KingLouis the XVI agreed to the demands of the masses (albeit without muchchoice). However, due to the fanatical aspirations of men such as Danton,Marat and Robespierre,it would be only a matter of months before themoderate stage of social and political reform was transformed into aradical phase of barbaric and violent force. In their quest for freedom,equality and fraternity, the leaders of the Jacobins inadvertently turnedthe revolution into an oligarchic dictatorship that threatened to destroyall that was achieved in the previous two years of insurrection. The revolution took a sharp turn on August 9th, 1792. The Municipalgovernment was overthrown in Paris and a Commune was established by theleaders of the radical forces. During this time there were continual foodriots erupting in every area of the country and, with the threat of waragainst Austria and Prussia looming, it was vital that order was to bemaintained during such tumultuous times. Although the constitution wasalready enshrined and the citizens had their freedom and liberties, therewas still plenty of public dissent and disapproval as to whether or notthese laws would help create a new government and prevent the country frombreaking apart. The people had come this far and were not prepared to watchtheir efforts lead to failure or the restoration of an absolute monarch. Asa result, the radical forces were able to gain the support of the citizensin declaring that the constitution of 1791 was ineffective and uselesssince it did not suit the needs of ALL the popula n of France. Moderateforces preferred to concentrate on the foreign affairs of "new" France, butthe radicals insisted on domestic stability first. Led ...
