The Thermidorian Reaction: France's Most Forgotten Coup

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Thermidorian Reaction of 1794, the coup that ended the Reign of Terror and sent Robespierre to the guillotine. They examine the political maneuvering of Paul Barras, the role of the National Convention, the fall of the Committee of Public Safety, and the unexpected consequences that paved the way for Napoleon. Through the lens of a single night at the Hôtel de Ville, they uncover how a handful of frightened deputies toppled the most feared man in France, only to create a republic as unstable as the one it replaced. Drawing on recent scholarship, they separate myth from reality, revealing that Robespierre's downfall was not a heroic uprising but a desperate act of self-preservation by his enemies. Along the way, they reflect on the fragility of revolutionary governments and the thin line between order and chaos. This episode is part of The Story of France and brings a fresh angle to a well-known period, perfect for listeners who want to understand the mechanics of power, fear, and political survival. #ThermidorianReaction #Robespierre #FrenchRevolution #ReignOfTerror #NationalConvention #PaulBarras #CommitteeOfPublicSafety #9Thermidor #HôtelDeVille #Guillotine #NapoleonBonaparte #RevolutionaryGovernment #History #FexingoHistory #France #18thCentury #PoliticalHistory #Coup Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo