27 Germinal
An CCXXXIV
Girondins
Between 1791 and 1793, the Girondins shaped the politics of France. Their programme was based on liberty, property and a republican order. They distrusted the growing influence of the Parisian popular masses. Yet their policy was full of contradictions. These bourgeois deputies pushed France rashly into war, failed to adopt a common line during the king’s trial, and in the end attacked the powerful Paris Commune. In the National Convention, they faced the radical Montagnards around Robespierre and Marat. It was a classic conflict: the Girondins wanted to stabilise the Republic, while the Montagnards wanted to drive the Revolution further forward. After the uprising of 31 May to 2 June 1793, their leading representatives were overthrown, persecuted and executed.
1791 - 1795
- October 1, 1791 · First session of the Legislative Assembly. During the brief existence of this parliament of the constitutional monarchy, two opposing parties emerged. The Gironde represented the upper bourgeoisie, while the Montagnards enjoyed the support of the Parisian sans-culottes.
- March 1792 · First Girondin cabinet with Jean-Marie Roland as Minister of Justice and the Interior.
- April 20, 1792 · France declares war on Austria, a step strongly demanded by the Girondins. Robespierre, leader of the Montagnards, is a determined opponent of the war.
- September 21, 1792 · First session of the National Convention after the suspension of the monarchy. France becomes a republic. The Girondins initially continue to dominate politics.
- December 11, 1792 · Beginning of the trial of the king before the National Convention. While the Montagnards vote as a bloc for death without conditions, the Girondins are divided.
- May 18, 1793 · The Girondin deputies secure in the Convention the establishment of a Commission of Twelve, whose task is to investigate conspiracies against the Republic. In reality, the committee is directed against the sans-culottes and Jacobins of Paris.
- May 31, 1793 · Beginning of the Commune’s uprising against the Girondins. The Commission of Twelve is dissolved.
- June 2, 1793 · Under pressure from the Paris Commune, the Convention orders the arrest of 29 Girondin deputies. Most of them are placed under house arrest. Some Girondins flee and join the insurgents in the provinces.
- October 24, 1793 · Beginning of the trial of the Girondins before the Revolutionary Tribunal.
- October 31, 1793 · Execution of 21 Girondins on the Place de la Révolution in Paris. Among those guillotined are Brissot and Vergniaud.
- December 8, 1794 · After Robespierre’s fall, the surviving Girondin deputies are officially allowed to take their seats in the Convention again.
- August 22, 1795 · The Convention adopts the Constitution of Year III (Directory), which is also supported by the Girondins.
- October 26, 1795 · Final session of the National Convention.
Quotes
If my blood were necessary to secure liberty, I would ask that it be shed. If the sacrifice of my honor were required for the same cause, I would say: take it from me!
Charles Jean Marie Barbaroux, 2 June 1793
The Revolution is like Saturn, it devours its own children.
Vergniaud’s last words, 31 October 1793
Rather death than slavery, that is the motto of the French.
Song of the Girondists on the way to the guillotine, 31 October 1793
Le Moniteur
Mercredi 5 juin 1793. L'an deuxième de la République Française
Proclamation of the death sentence against the Girondins, 30 October 1793
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