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.
More about: Committee of Public SafetyServer Costs Fundraiser 2024
Help our mission to provide free history education to the world! Please donate and contribute to covering our server costs in 2024. With your support, millions of people learn about history entirely for free every month.
$3946 / $18000
Definition
Timeline
-
6 Apr 1793The Committee of Public Safety is set up by the National Convention.
-
27 Jul 1793Maximilien Robespierre elected to the Committee of Public Safety; the National Convention institutes death penalty for hoarders of goods.
-
23 Aug 1793Levée en masse is enacted by the French Republic; within a year over a million soldiers are raised.
-
4 Dec 1793Law of 14 Frimaire codifies the dictatorial powers of the Committee of Public Safety.
-
5 Apr 1794Execution of the Dantonists, including Georges Danton, Camille Desmoulins, Hérault de Séchelles, & Fabre d'Eglantine.
-
28 Jul 1794Execution of Robespierre, Saint-Just, and Couthon; end to the Terror, beginning of the Thermidorian Reaction.
