23 Messidor
An CCXXXIV
2 June 1793
On 2 June 1793, the power struggle between the liberal-conservative deputies of the Gironde and the revolutionary Paris Commune was decided. The Parisian sans-culottes relied on the support of the Montagnards around Robespierre. The insurgents put the Convention under military pressure in order to force the arrest of 29 deputies. This was a clear breach of the law. But the Revolution now followed its own laws. In the end, not only the Gironde was eliminated, but also the National Convention itself. 2 June was another step toward the Reign of Terror. In the period that followed, the Jacobins, the Paris Commune and the Committee of Public Safety dominated by the Montagnards determined policy.
1793
- May 18, 1793 · At the urging of the Girondins, the Convention establishes a Commission of Twelve to investigate alleged violations of the law by the Paris Commune and the sections.
- May 24, 1793 · The Commission of Twelve has Jacques-René Hébert and two other left-wing revolutionaries arrested.
- May 25, 1793 · Representatives of the Paris Commune demand Hébert’s release in the Convention. Convention President Isnard threatens the Commune with the destruction of Paris if any harm comes to the deputies of the Convention.
- May 26, 1793 · Robespierre calls in the Jacobin Club for an uprising against the Girondins.
- May 27, 1793 · Armed sans-culottes advance as far as the Convention. Under pressure, the Convention decides to release the prisoners and dissolve the Commission of Twelve.
- May 28, 1793 · In the Convention, the Girondins secure the reversal of the decision to abolish the Commission of Twelve. This becomes the trigger for the uprising of the Commune. In the following days, the sections appoint commissioners with far-reaching powers. Hanriot becomes commander of the National Guard.
- May 31, 1793 · The uprising of the Commune begins with alarm cannon and the ringing of the tocsin. Finally, the Convention again abolishes the Commission of Twelve. The insurgents demand the arrest of the Girondins.
- June 1, 1793 · The Convention demands evidence against the accused deputies and thus postpones the decision. The insurgents decide on more determined action the following day.
- June 2, 1793 · Insurgents and National Guardsmen surround the Convention. The radical Montagnards exploit the threats from the galleries to place 29 Girondin deputies and two Girondin ministers under house arrest.
Quotes
Yes, I will conclude, and against you!
Robespierre to Vergniaud, 31 May 1793
What does the people demand? The Convention is occupied only with its happiness.
Convention President Hérault de Séchelles before Hanriot, 2 June 1793
Gunners, to your guns!
Hanriot, provisional commander of the National Guard, 2 June 1793
Le Moniteur
Hanriot’s troops block the deputies’ way.
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