In the French Revolution (1789-1799), the Committee of Public Safety (French: Comité De Salut Public) was a political body created to oversee the defense of the French Republic from foreign and domestic enemies. To achieve this goal, the Committee implemented the Reign of Terror (1793-1794), during which time it accumulated virtual dictatorial powers over France.
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Definition
Timeline
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6 Apr 1793The Committee of Public Safety is set up by the National Convention.
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27 Jul 1793Maximilien Robespierre elected to the Committee of Public Safety; the National Convention institutes death penalty for hoarders of goods.
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23 Aug 1793Levée en masse is enacted by the French Republic; within a year over a million soldiers are raised.
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4 Dec 1793Law of 14 Frimaire codifies the dictatorial powers of the Committee of Public Safety.
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5 Apr 1794Execution of the Dantonists, including Georges Danton, Camille Desmoulins, Hérault de Séchelles, & Fabre d'Eglantine.
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28 Jul 1794Execution of Robespierre, Saint-Just, and Couthon; end to the Terror, beginning of the Thermidorian Reaction.
