Question

sourcing practice
robespierre’s changes to the government
when he entered the committee of public safety, maximilien robespierre persuaded the other members to accept new procedures, to reorganize and to hold weekly meetings with the other committee of general security. the press, and its writers was seen as dangerous, were to be temporarily limited of its freedom. only when true democracy had been established would it be possible to allow journalists to have their say again! the only reason for these decisions is in the best interest of the majority of french citizens. in other words: the government was to remain revolutionary until peace had been restored and all enemies put to flight.
source: john laurence carr, robespierre: the force of circumstance, st. martin’s press from the nys global history and geography regents exam, january 2015
the law of suspects
this law, passed on 17 september 1793 by robespierre and the national convention, accused those suspected of treason against the republic and to punish those convicted with death. this law transformed the justice system into the police of the revolutionary government, which would now set as its primary responsibility not only the maintenance of public order but also the much more difficult and controversial task of identifying internal enemies of the republic—and then removing them from the citizenry, where they might subvert sabotage the general will.
source: liberty, equality, fraternity: exploring the french revolution, online site, a collaboration of the roy rosenzweig center for history and new media and the american social history project from the nys global history and geography regents exam, january 2015

1. according to the excerpt above, what changes did robespierre make during the reign of terror?
2. did these changes support the ideals of the french revolution or betray them? explain.
3. according to the excerpt above, what changes did robespierre make during the reign of terror?
4. did these changes support the ideals of the french revolution or betray them? explain.

Explanation:

1. Robespierre persuaded the Committee of Public Safety members to accept new procedures, reorganize, hold weekly meetings with the Committee of General Security, and temporarily limit press freedom. The Law of Suspects accused and punished suspected traitors with death and made identifying and removing internal enemies a priority.
2. These changes can be seen as a betrayal in some ways. The French Revolution ideals included liberty, equality, and fraternity. Limiting press freedom restricted liberty, and the Law of Suspects led to mass - executions without full due - process, which went against the idea of equality under the law. However, some may argue that in a time of crisis, these were necessary measures to protect the revolution.
3. Same as answer 5.
4. Similar to answer 6, they can be considered a betrayal as they restricted civil liberties (like press freedom) and had a harsh, often arbitrary justice system under the Law of Suspects, which clashed with the ideals of liberty and equality of the French Revolution.

Answer:

1. Persuaded committee members to accept new procedures, reorganize, hold weekly meetings, and limit press freedom; passed the Law of Suspects to accuse and punish traitors and identify/remove internal enemies.
2. They can be seen as a betrayal as they restricted liberties and went against equality under the law, though some may argue they were necessary in a crisis.
3. Persuaded committee members to accept new procedures, reorganize, hold weekly meetings, and limit press freedom; passed the Law of Suspects to accuse and punish traitors and identify/remove internal enemies.
4. They can be considered a betrayal as they restricted civil liberties and had a harsh justice system that clashed with the ideals of the French Revolution.