17. The Trial & Execution of Louis XVIArea of Study 2: Creating a New Society

In this lesson you will...

Look at the debate that characterised Louis’ trial.

Explore why the trial created further friction in the National Convention.

Examine Louis execution.

“Citizens, the tyrant is no more.”

The National Convention on Louis XVI’s execution.

1. Revision

Sequence Strips

List down the 10 most important events that we have learnt about in Area of Study 2.

2. The end of 1792

We are so close,but yet so far!

Key Dates & Glossary Terms

2nd October 1792: Establishment of the Committee of General Security. The purpose of this group was to “protect” France from its internal enemies (ie. seek out traitors).

19th November 1792: Decree of Fraternity: this offered brotherhood and aid to people who wished to recover their liberty. This included support in uprisings against oppressive governments. This alarmed foreign powers as it meant that traitors would flee to France.

Key Dates & Glossary Terms

2nd October 1792: Establishment of the Committee of General Security. The purpose of this group was to “protect” France from its internal enemies (ie. seek out traitors).

19th November 1792: Decree of Fraternity: this offered brotherhood and aid to people who wished to recover their liberty. This included support in uprisings against oppressive governments. This alarmed foreign powers as it meant that traitors would flee to France.

3. The “Louis” question

Let’s Read

Page 163 of your Fenwick handout. (Up to the end of the primary source).

Add to your notes on Louis’ trial

20th November 1792: Iron Chest “found” in Tulieres

1. Why were the Flight to Varennes, the Champ de Mars Massacres and allegiances with Mirabeau and Lafayette all “counter revolutionary” accusations?

2. Identify two social groups in the picture to the right.

3. Identify two ways the artist has suggest Louis XVI had been liaising with the Austrians for a long period of time.

4. To Kill or Not to Kill

Let’s Read

10th December 1792: Louis XVI’s trial commences.

Pages 163-4 of the Fenwick handout. (up to Marat sentence).

Add to your notes on Louis’ trial.

4. Who was in favour of Louis execution and what was his/their rationale?

5. Who was against Louis execution and what was his/their rationale?

6. What were the alternatives to execution?

7. What alternative motivations did Marat have during Louis’ trial.

5. Three Questions

Let’s Read

17th-19th January 1792: Louis XVI is condemned.

The remainder of page 164 of Fenwick.

Update your notes on Louis trial & add regicide to your glossary. Ensure you include the “3 questions” asked of the National Convention.

8. Adcock claims that the Girondin’s moderate view on Louis XVI’s fate “created a lasting division between the Montagnards and the Girondins, and the Girondins and the people of Paris.”

6. Louis XVI’s execution

Louis XVI is Executed

Let’s Read

Pages 165-6 of Fenwick.

Update your notes on Louis XVI’s execution.

“At ten thirty...the gates reopen[d] and the life of the city resumed its course, unchanged.”

Schama

7. Exam Practice: HW task #9

Have you?

Looked at the debate that characterised Louis’ trial? The contribution of key individuals and groups to the New Regime.

Explored why the trial created further friction in the National Convention? The cause of difficulties faced by the New Regime.

Examined Louis execution? The response of groups and individuals to difficulties faced by the new regime.