Germinal Uprising

After the events of the 9th of the Thermidor and the so called Thermidorian Convention Paris was not content.  Many had assumed that with the removal of Robespierre and the winding down of the terror France would enter a period of stability this was not to be the case.

The Maximum (controlling wages and prices) was abolished on 24th December 1794, people hoped for a blossoming of a free market economy.  Alas this was not to be the case as France suffered a horrendous winter from 1794-1795.  Inflation became rampant and assignats became nigh on worthless, causing people to demand hard currency or to barter for goods.

On the 1st April 1795 after weeks of minor disturbances large groups began to gather chanting, “Bread! Bread!”  A large group of women broke into the Tuileries and into the Convention itself.  Once again the cries for bread were heard as well as a range of fiery speeches aimed at the impotent members of the Convention.  They would eventually be convinced to leave but they would return.

On the 20th May protesters once again took to the streets demanding the full introduction of the Constitution of 1793.  They also demanded that perceived counter revolutionaries should be arrested.  Once again the Convention was invaded this time however the crowd were equipped with cannons and pikes.  Only when troops arrived did the crowds disperse and even then it took three days of martial law before Paris could be pacified.

The Convention reacted swiftly ordering on April the 10th the disarmament of Paris and all of France.  What remained of the Montagnards were arrested and sent to Guiana.  In other parts of France this was seen as the sign to execute those who had played any part in the terror.