National Convention Established

• The National Convention is established during the French Revolution.
• The National Convention abolishes the monarchy in France.
• The National Convention declares France a republic.
• The National Convention implements the Reign of Terror under the Committee of Public Safety.

The National Convention was established on 20 September 1792 during the French Revolution. It succeeded the Legislative Assembly and was tasked with drafting a new constitution for France. Its formation came amid increasing insurrection and political instability, partly due to the radicalization of revolutionary factions.

One of its first significant actions was to abolish the monarchy on 21 September 1792, declaring France a republic. This decision arose from the imprisonment and trial of King Louis XVI, charged with treason against the new revolutionary government. The King's trial began in December 1792, and he was convicted and subsequently executed by guillotine on 21 January 1793.

The National Convention was divided into several political factions, the most prominent being the Montagnards (Mountain), the Girondins, and the Plain. The Montagnards, led by figures like Maximilien Robespierre and Georges Danton, held more radical views and dominated the convention for most of its existence. In contrast, the Girondins were more moderate and eventually fell out of favor, leading to their downfall in the Reign of Terror.

During its tenure, the National Convention faced external pressures from foreign coalitions and internal strife, including the Vendée Uprising (a royalist and Catholic revolt). They responded by adopting radical measures such as the Committee of Public Safety (established in April 1793), which wielded vast powers to protect the revolution. This committee, under leaders like Robespierre, oversaw the Reign of Terror from 1793 to 1794. During this period, thousands of perceived enemies of the revolution were executed.

The National Convention also instituted several significant reforms. These included the introduction of the revolutionary calendar (starting 22 September 1792) and the dechristianization campaign, targeting the influence of the Catholic Church. Moreover, they adopted policies to stabilize the economy and maintain revolutionary fervor, such as the Maximum Price Law to control inflation.

The National Convention ultimately concluded its role with the adoption of the Constitution of 1795, which established the Directory, a five-member executive body, replacing the Convention. This event marked the end of the radical phase of the French Revolution and the beginning of a more conservative, yet still unstable, period in French governance.

• The National Convention was established on 20 September 1792, following the fall of the monarchy; it marked a radical shift in French government, as it proclaimed France a republic.
• The Convention oversaw the trial and execution of King Louis XVI on 21 January 1793; this act was one of the most shocking events of the revolution, as it symbolized the complete rejection of monarchy in France.
• The National Convention was responsible for the creation of the revolutionary calendar in 1793, which sought to eliminate religious influence and promote a rational and secular society; it replaced the Gregorian calendar and introduced 12 months of 30 days, with an additional 5 or 6 days for celebrations.
• Among the prominent figures in the National Convention was Maximilien Robespierre, who became a leading voice during the Reign of Terror (1793-1794); his push for virtue and political purity led to thousands being executed during this tumultuous period.
• The National Convention eventually split into factions, notably the Girondins and the Jacobins; these divisions not only led to internal conflict but also changed the revolution's direction significantly over its lifespan.