Introduction | 1793-1794. A revolutionary whirlwind.

1793-1794, “Year II of the Republic”, witnessed the turbulent beginnings of the very first French republic.

From the ideals of the Revolution to the great political trials, from jubilation to popular uprisings, the new regime swept everything in its path during its first few months, including the day-to-day lives of French citizens. This was a revolutionary whirlwind fuelled by hopes and fears.

In 1793, Article 1 of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen announced that “The goal of society is the happiness of all”. It was declared that primary education would be public, free and compulsory for both boys and girls. On 4 February 1794, the French Republic abolished slavery in its colonies. But military threats and domestic woes were mounting. Special laws undermined the democratic movement and instituted summary justice.

This exhibition looks back at what proved to be several crucial months in French history, which saw the arrest of the Girondins, the assassination of Marat, the execution of Marie-Antoinette and the fall of Robespierre. Here, the “Reign of Terror” is re-examined through the prism of the most recent historical research.

“Let us be terrible to dispense the people from being so.”

Danton

This exhibition is an adaptation of Paris 1793-1794: a revolutionary year, an exhibition created by the Carnavalet – History of Paris Museum. It was produced with the outstanding support of the Carnavalet – History of Paris Museum and Paris Musées.