On 21 January 1793, Louis XVI was executed by the French Republic. How did the King live his final hours? What preparations were made to ensure the King could not escape? What impact did this monumental event have on the revolution at home and...
To celebrate Grey History’s 50th episode, we’re finally doing a Question & Answers episode! If you have any questions or queries about the revolution, serious or light-hearted, please send them in! You can use the link below to send...
Throughout the trial of Louis XVI, the Spanish authorities made active attempts to influence the outcome. Why were the Spanish so keen to intervene? How did they try to alter the outcome? Which deputies were implicated in the plot? This will be...
With problems besetting the young republic, the Convention had to end the contentious trial of Louis XVI. How would the trial proceed? Who would determine the King’s guilt and punishment? When would the judgment take effect? These are just...
This unscripted analysis examines how the possibility of war in the Atlantic may have encouraged some Girondins to seek clemency for the King. It also examines an additional theory from Historian Jean Jaurès as to why the Girondins had no choice but...
As the deputies proceed with the King’s trial, a radical proposal upends the proceedings. Leading Girondins propose “the appeal to the people”, a national referendum to determine the King’s fate. Rejected by the Mountain...
Examine the discovery of Mirabeau’s secret dealings with the King, and reexamine his controversial actions for the crown.
With the republic declared and foreign armies pushed back beyond the frontiers, the National Convention had no choice but to turn its attention to justice. Should the King be tried? Could he even be tried? If he could, how would the nation hold its...
My unscripted thoughts (consider yourself officially warned) on the Girondin assault against leading Montagnard leaders. Topics covered include the historical analysis of the events, alternative options available to the Girondins, and my criticisms.
“I accuse you of having quite obviously set your sights on a position of supreme power.” As the Convention sits in September 1792, the new national legislature descends into factional chaos. Fears of tyranny dominate the body, and a schism in...