“Historians Revisit the Terror,”

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In his article “Historians Revisit the Terror,” Jack Censer explains two major and opposing approaches to explaining the origins of the Terror during the French Revolution. Your first task in this essay is to summarize this division as Censer explains it.

PART II

Then, argue which side Professor Merriman is on. Specifically answer this question about his lecture:

In his lecture on Maximilien Robespierre, Professor Merriman claims that Robespierre “incarnated the Revolution.” If this is so, given what Merriman thinks about Robespierre as a person, what do you think he believes about the nature of the Revolution? Consider the two main sections of his lecture on Robespierre, Robespierre’s biography (back to his infancy and his absent father, through his academic accomplishments, and onto his liberalism as a political actor) and a description of the problems facing the Jacobins (the Girondins who “loved war,” threats to the Revolution from foreign countries, and two “main counter-revolutionary threats”).

PART III

Now that you have established Merriman’s interpretation of Robespierre (an embodiment of the Revolution), you probably know which of the two sides about the Terror he is on. Turn a critical eye to his chapter on the French Revolution (Ch. 12). Find two or three examples from this narrative of the Revolution that indicates whether he is on the ideology side or the contingency side.

 

 

Sample Solution

The Debate Over the Terror: Ideology vs. Contingency

Part I: The Two Explanations

According to Jack Censer’s article “Historians Revisit the Terror,” there are two main opposing explanations for the origins of the Terror during the French Revolution.

  • Ideology Argument: This perspective emphasizes the ideological beliefs of the Jacobins, particularly Robespierre and his followers. It argues that their commitment to a radical republic with absolute virtue led them to see violence as a necessary tool to eliminate any threats, real or perceived, to their vision of France.
  • Contingency Argument: This viewpoint focuses on the chaotic circumstances surrounding the French Revolution. Factors like foreign invasion, internal rebellions, and economic instability created a situation where the Jacobins felt they had to resort to extreme measures, including the Terror, to preserve the Revolution.

Part II: Professor Merriman’s Interpretation of Robespierre

Professor Merriman’s statement that Robespierre “incarnated the Revolution” suggests he leans towards the ideology side of the debate.

  • Robespierre’s Biography: Highlighting Robespierre’s early liberalism and unwavering dedication to revolutionary ideals strengthens the argument that his actions during the Terror stemmed from a deep-seated belief system, not just a reaction to external pressures.
  • The Jacobin Problems: Merriman’s focus on the problems faced by the Jacobins, particularly internal threats and foreign enemies, seems to suggest these were obstacles to Robespierre’s vision of the Revolution, not the sole reason for the Terror.

Part III: Evidence from Merriman’s Chapter

Here’s how to analyze Merriman’s chapter on the Revolution to determine his stance:

  • Look for examples where ideology seems to drive decisions: Did the revolutionaries prioritize ideological purity over finding practical solutions?
  • Examine the portrayal of the Terror: Is the focus on Robespierre’s unwavering commitment to his ideals or the desperate need to respond to external threats?

Potential Examples:

  • Focus on Internal Purification: If Merriman emphasizes the expulsion of Girondins or the targeting of “suspects” based on ideology rather than concrete evidence of treason, it suggests an ideology-driven approach.
  • Justification for Violence: Does Merriman portray the Terror as a necessary evil to preserve revolutionary ideals, or as a response to uncontrollable circumstances? The language used will be key here.

By analyzing specific examples within Merriman’s chapter, you can solidify your understanding of his position on the origins of the Terror.

 

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