THE NATIONAL CONVENTION, longest lived of the revolutionary assemblies. It was elected by male suffrage and composed entirely of republicans (749 members, of whom 486 were new men). Parties: The Plain had a majority but was dominated by the Girondists and then by the Mountain. The Girondists now formed the Right, and the Mountain, under Robespierre, Danton, and others, formed the Left.
The Decree of Fraternity offered French assistance to people who wished to overthrow their governments. Other countries, including England, feared risings. Irish nationalists sought French aid as a result of this declaration.
Convention repealed suspension on free trade in grain but outlawed grain exports. Nov. and Dec. also saw instances of price fixing and demonstrations among peasants in the Beauce region.
Louis XVI tried before the Convention. Girondists suggested a referendum to the people (Dec. 27), but on Jan. 14, 1793, the Convention decided there would be no referendum and found Louis guilty. Louis sentenced to death by a slim majority (Jan. 20) and executed on Jan. 21.
As a result of a struggle between the Girondists and the Mountain, all power in the Convention centered in three institutions: (1) the Committee of General Security; (2) the Paris Commune, reorganized on basis of male suffrage and acting through its committee led by Chaumette and Hébert; and (3) the Committee of Public Safety. The latter was composed of 9 (later 12) members (including Robespierre, Danton, and St. Just) with dictatorial power.
