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How important was the outbreak of war as a reason for the Terror, 1792–1795? - Scottish Highers History - Question 31 - 2022
Question 31
How important was the outbreak of war as a reason for the Terror, 1792–1795?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:How important was the outbreak of war as a reason for the Terror, 1792–1795? - Scottish Highers History - Question 31 - 2022
Step 1
Outbreak of war as a reason for the Terror
Answer
The outbreak of war was a significant catalyst for the Terror, beginning with France's declaration of war against Austria in April 1792. The war created an environment of fear and instability that drove radical actions by the revolutionary government. It raised concerns about internal and external threats, especially with the declaration from the Prussian and Austrian monarchies to intervene in the revolution.
The war intensified the existing divisions and escalated the revolutionary fervor. The assumption that military success against Austria would bolster the revolution motivated the leaders to take more extreme measures. This culminated in the September Massacres of 1792, wherein fears of counter-revolutionary conspiracies led to widespread killings of perceived enemies.
Consequently, the war's exigencies created a justification for the Committee of Public Safety's control over the government, leading directly to the implementation of the Terror, as they sought to root out any opposition that threatened the revolutionary republic.
Step 2
Other relevant factors
Answer
Besides the outbreak of war, other significant factors contributed to the Terror. The internal strife presented by the Girondin and Jacobin factions created profound political instability. The Girondins, who initially drove the revolution, lost influence as radical Jacobins rose to prominence, especially under the leadership of Maximilien Robespierre.
In addition, economic turmoil, including food shortages and inflation, exacerbated public discontent. The revolutionary government increasingly viewed dissent as a danger to the republic, leading to a culture of treachery and paranoia. This environment of crisis contributed to the acceptance and eventual escalation of the Terror as a means of enforcing loyalty to the revolutionary ideal.