Author Bio: Maximilien Robespierre was a lawyer and politician. He was one of the most known and influential figures of the French Revolution. He was a member of the Estates General, the Constituent Assembly and the Jacobins Club. Robespierre wished a republic would be established, the death penalty and slavery abolished and advocated for universal suffrage and equality. He was known as "the Incorruptible" but also known as a "bloodthirsty dictator" by his enemies and was also a member of the Public Committee for Safety during the Reign of Terror.
Context: This speech was given to the Convention on February 5, 1794. This was during the Reign of Terror that starred the guillotine. During the Terror, anyway suspected of being against the revolutionists were seen as enemies of France were sentenced to death. Robespierre uses this speech as justification for that type of barbarity.
Summary: Robespierre begins his speech by explaining what France and its people are trying to achieve: a prosperous republic of fully equally citizens who can respect their country without knowing horrors like they are experiencing now. He then explains the problems of France, the way everything good is substituted for something corrupt like morality for egoism, the rule of reason for the tyranny of custom and contempt of vice for contempt of misfortune. The people want to stop this terror and these vices and fulfill the duties of nature. He proclaims that only a republican or democratic type of government can achieve these great desires. Robespierre believes that the fundamental principle of a government of these types is virtue. He then goes on to say that in times of revolution, terror is necessary to inflict justice and restore order. He believes that to once again reach a virtuous government one must inflict terror to get rid of those who are disrupting order.
Key Quotation:
"If the strength of popular government in peacetime is virtue, the strength of popular government in revolution is both virtue and terror; terror without virtue is disastrous, virtue without terror is powerless."
"Subdue the enemies of liberty through terror and you will right as founder of the Republic."
Robespierre's speech can be identified in a multitude of ways. First, the irony in his speech shines through to an incredible degree. He goes from discussing peaceful enjoyment to how terror is the sole method of sustaining democratic principles. These contradictory facets produce such a brilliant irony that is hard to ignore. Second, Robespierre dedicates an entire paragraph to demonizing the old regime and First and Second Estates while glorifying the potential democracy. This clearly demonstrates his support for a French Republic and his deep seated hatred for any monarchy or deeply segregated class system. Finally, Robespierre states that he wishes for an ideal government; he talks of peace and a time where all are equal and are judged on that basis alone. This idyllic way of thinking contrasts with the later period of the French Revolution once the Reign of Terror set in. In that way, it can be identified as earlier in the time period.
ReplyDeleteOverall, the PDP is excellent especially concerning the key quotes and the summary. However, one must always remember to mention bias either in the context or the author biography; bias is potentially the most important part of a primary document, for it can completely change its meaning. Also, one may want to mention how Robespierre was killed during his own Reign of Terror, for it serves to show how extensive and violently thorough the executions were in France. Thirdly, some proofreading may help with the few grammar mistakes. In all, these criticisms were very hard to come up with, so great job!
Very well done - excellent analysis and a very appropriate quote! The Reign of Terror only lasted from September 1793 to July 1794 but saw the deaths of tens of thousands at the guillotine and through summary executions. Noted for the bloodshed, one can also identify the emergence of a modern nationalist sentiment during this period.
ReplyDelete-"In our country we want to substitute morality for egoism, honesty for honor, principles for customs, duties for decorum, the rule of reason for the tyranny of custom, the contempt of vice for the contempt of misfortune, pride for insolence, magnanimity for vanity, love of glory for love of money, good people for well-bred people, merit for intrigue, genius for wit, truth for pompous action, warmth of happiness for boredom of sensuality, greatness of man for pettiness of the great..."