Enragés

Radical group advocating for the rights of the lower classes.

The Enragés were a group of radical revolutionaries during the French Revolution who emerged primarily in 1793. They advocated for the rights and welfare of the lower classes, emphasizing social equality and economic justice. The Enragés were known for their fiery speeches and writings, calling for measures such as price controls on essentials, including food. They sought to represent the more extreme views within the revolutionary movement and often criticized the moderate leaders of the Revolution. Their influence was significant in the context of the struggle between different factions and the push for more radical reforms; however, many of their leaders were eventually suppressed or executed as the Revolution continued to evolve.

The Enragés (a term meaning "the enraged ones") were a radical political faction during the French Revolution. They emerged in 1793, advocating for economic measures to alleviate the dire conditions of the poor. The Enragés were more radical than the Jacobins and demanded immediate and direct action, often proposing drastic changes to ensure social and economic equality.

The most prominent figure among the Enragés was Jacques Roux, a former priest turned revolutionary leader. Roux and his followers were primarily concerned with the plight of the working classes and the urban poor. They criticized the revolutionary government for not doing enough to address the economic hardships faced by the populace. The Enragés pushed for price controls on essential goods, the punishment of hoarders and profiteers, and the redistribution of wealth.

The Enragés' influence peaked during the crisis of 1793, a period marked by severe food shortages and inflation. Their demands resonated with many Parisians, particularly the sans-culottes (working-class revolutionaries known for their plain clothing). The Enragés organized demonstrations and pressured the National Convention to implement their policies. Their agitation helped lead to the passing of the General Maximum Law on 29 September 1793, which set maximum prices for grain and other staple foods.

Despite their popular support, the Enragés faced opposition from more moderate revolutionaries and the revolutionary government itself. The Committee of Public Safety, which held significant power during the Reign of Terror, viewed the Enragés as a threat to the stability of the Revolution. Figures such as Maximilien Robespierre saw their demands as too extreme and potentially disruptive.

By mid-1794, the revolutionary government had moved to suppress the Enragés. Jacques Roux was arrested and eventually died in prison under suspicious circumstances on 10 February 1794. The movement lost momentum without its leader and as the government repressed radical elements within the revolution. The Enragés' calls for economic justice and popular control did, however, leave a lasting impact on the revolutionary discourse and highlighted the deep social and economic divides within revolutionary France.

Did you know?

The Enragés were a radical group during the French Revolution that emerged in early 1793, advocating for a more direct approach to social justice, particularly for the working class.
Their name literally translates to 'the enraged', reflecting their passionate contempt for inequality and the purported treachery of the Girondins (a moderate faction).
One of their prominent leaders, Jacques Roux, famously declared that without bread, the people had the right to revolt; he passionately campaigned for measures to ensure food availability for the poor.
The Enragés were instrumental in pushing revolutionary leaders like Maximilien Robespierre to adopt more radical economic policies, including price controls on essential goods by mid-1793.
Despite their influence, the Enragés faced suppression by the National Convention; by late 1794, many of their members were arrested or executed during the Reign of Terror.