Commission of Twelve

The Commission of Twelve was a body established by the National Convention in April 1793 to investigate and counteract the activities of counter-revolutionaries and political dissenters during the French Revolution. This body emerged at a time of increasing political tension and was principally created in response to concerns about the influence of the radical Paris Commune and the threat posed by federalist revolts.

Led by prominent Girondins (a political faction known for its moderate policies and opposition to the more radical Jacobins), the Commission of Twelve initially aimed to maintain order and protect the revolution from internal threats. Its members were tasked with uncovering conspiracies, arresting suspects, and interrogating those deemed dangerous to the revolutionary cause. The commission operated with considerable authority and could summon individuals, seize documents, and deploy military force if necessary.

The Commission's actions, however, quickly became controversial. Its aggressive measures, including the arrest of leading figures of the Commune (such as Hébertists) and Jacobins, heightened political tensions. As it arrested many individuals without clear evidence, critics accused the Commission of Twelve of using its powers to suppress political opposition rather than genuine counter-revolutionary threats. This led to increasing unease within the Convention itself, where the Jacobins' influence was growing.

The situation reached a climax in May 1793, when the Jacobins successfully managed to push for the dissolution of the Commission of Twelve. On 31 May 1793, insurrections in Paris (supporting the Jacobins and the radical elements of the revolution) led to a direct confrontation with the Girondins, ultimately resulting in the commission's downfall just days later. By 2 June 1793, with the Commission disbanded and its key members arrested or in flight, the Jacobins moved towards consolidating their power, leading to the heightened phase of the Reign of Terror. The dissolution of the Commission of Twelve marked a significant shift in revolutionary politics, demonstrating the increasing radicalization and the volatility of the revolutionary government.

Overall, the Commission of Twelve exemplified the turbulent interplay between different revolutionary factions and highlighted the drastic measures taken in the name of safeguarding the revolution. The period it was active underlines the intense political struggles and the precarious balance of power that characterized the French Revolution.

• The Commission of Twelve was established on 30 March 1793, during a tumultuous time in Revolutionary France, with the main goal of protecting the interests of the Republic against those perceived to be counter-revolutionary.
• Composed of twelve members, the Commission operated under the principle that individuals accused of treason or conspiracy against the Republic should be quickly tried, reflecting the Revolution's increasing paranoia about internal enemies.
• The Commission was known for its harsh methods, which included the expedited processing of cases leading to numerous executions, contributing to the overall atmosphere of fear that characterized the Reign of Terror (1793-1794).
• Members of the Commission often found themselves in conflict with the more moderate revolutionary factions; this internal struggle exacerbated tensions within the National Convention and led to greater extremism in policies.
• The Commission was disbanded in July 1794, after the fall of the influential Jacobin leader Maximilien Robespierre, which marked a significant turning point in the Revolution as it signaled a move away from radical rule.