Final answer:
The 'Terror' of France, also known as the Reign of Terror, was a period of extreme violence during the French Revolution where the government executed many perceived enemies. Although it initially aimed to represent the triumph of republicanism, it led to the rise of a more conservative government and ultimately set the stage for Napoleon's authoritarian rule.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Terror of France, which began in 1793 and extended into 1794, is remembered as a time when the revolutionary government took extremely violent measures against those it perceived as enemies. This period, known as the Reign of Terror, is characterized by a series of repressive actions designed to prevent dissent and maintain power in the face of internal and external challenges. The French king, Louis XVI, was executed in January of 1793, a pivotal event that heralded the advent of the Terror. During this time, the government adopted policies of direct representative democracy and enacted many radical cultural and social changes, including the introduction of the Cult of the Supreme Being and the renaming of the months. One of the most fearsome symbols of this period was the guillotine, which became a relentless tool for executions.
Despite initially embodying the ideals of liberty and opposing tyranny, the revolutionary government itself exercised tyrannical control over its citizens. The slogan used by some revolutionaries, "Let France...become the model for nations, the terror of oppressors, the consolation of the oppressed...", underscores the ambition to inspire both admiration and fear, domestically and internationally. The success of the Terror in achieving its goals is debatable. While it effectively neutralized many internal threats to the revolutionary government, it also resulted in substantial public disaffection and led to further political instability.
The Reign of Terror's most significant achievement may have been its role in precipitating the fall of the radical Jacobins and the emergence of a more conservative government, eventually leading to the rise of Napoléon Bonaparte. Napoleon safeguarded some revolutionary gains but reverted to authoritarian practices, such as reinstating slavery in French colonies and declaring himself emperor. The Terror's impact was far-reaching and complex, and its ultimate 'success' can be seen in its demonstration of how revolutionary fervor and the pursuit of liberty can devolve into repression and authoritarianism when unchecked.