Understanding who is who in this mess is no mean feat. It is kind of like understanding who is who during the War of the Roses. The process is further complicated by the fact that some people's Positions seem to change as the revolutions progresses and becomes more radical. Danton, who once was most radical in calling for the Kings fall, and who coined the phrase "terror is the order of the day" was killed for being an enemy of the revolution. But persevere and hopefully this game will make the various parties motives and actions a little bit clearer for you.
THE FACTIONS
Royalists
This is the party of the King. Unfortunately for the King, most of the adherents of this party left France during 1789 and 90. The hard line royalist aristocrats and high church men are dispersed around the royal courts of Europe, plotting a counter revolution. There is a strong latent support for traditional rule amongst the rural peasants but it is as yet untapped.
Feuillants:
This is the party of the liberal aristocrats. It has been in control of the government since 1789. Lafayette is now in charge of the party as well as the National Guard. They want to have a constitutional monarchy. Its a pity that the King absolutely opposes then.
Girondists:
This is the party of the middle class. They are especially supported by the merchant interests of the Atlantic port cities. Consequently they are not as tied to Paris for power as all the other Parties are.
Jacobins:
This is the party of the Paris radicals. It stands in the middle between most of the present parties, but as a free speech forum, it has tended to become more radical as time goes on. (In fact, the Jacobin Club was founded by the Feuillants!)
Cordellers:
This is the party of the urban working class (San Coullettes) and the radical press. They are clearly in favor of a republic and violent revenge taking on those who were previously in power during the Ancient Regime.
LEADERS AND PERSONALITIES
Royalists:
King Louis the 16th is a decent family man who is interested more in clocks than government. His political indecision brought him to this present state of affairs. He refused to use force on the people early on, and now has lost the ability to control any part of his government. Sad to say, but he seems to lack the political savvy of another King who suffered a similar fate, I am speaking of course of Charles the 1st.
Feuillants:
The Marquis Lafayette is a hero of the American war of Independence. Surely he is a supporter of democracy! Well, not really. Lafayette really doesn't like the "people" that much. He feels uncomfortable dealing with them. He would much more prefer that France be ruled by a democracy of aristocrats. So much for the "liberal" aristocracy.
Girondists:
M. Rolland is an older man married to a young, politically active, wife. He is under the spell of Rouseaulan philosophy. He and his associates never seem to understand how potent a weapon violence is. He thinks that the king will listen to him if he is charge of the government. In a word, he is naive.
Jacobins:
Max Robespiere is a lawyer who believes in the peoples right to rule, just like Rouseau said. But when it comes down to it, he does not like or feel comfortable with "the people." He is a hard worker but not a man with charisma.
Cordeliers: M.
Danton is also a lawyer, but of a completely different cut for Citizen Robespiere. He was not a rising star before the Revolution. In fact, he lives with the people he serves. He is an ugly man but a fiery speaker. He can inspire crowds. This coupled with the inflammatory newspaper articles of M. Marat, pose a violent portent for the future.
The French Revolution
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© Copyright 1991 by Chris Engle
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