CHAPTER VIII.

THE FALL OF THE GIRONDE 182-207

The Elections of 1792.--Parties in the Convention.--The Girondists and their advisers.--Madame Roland.--The part played by women in the French Revolution.--Difference between the Girondists and the Jacobins.--Rather one of conduct than of principle.--No place in the Revolution for the Girondists as a separate party.--Their only distinctive characteristics an idealised republicanism and a policy of war.--Beginning of the struggle between the two parties.--Trial and death of the King.--Demoralisation of politics.--The Girondists lose ground, especially in Paris.--The war after Valmy.--Dumouriez' defeat at Neerwinden.--His desertion.--Important decrees of the Convention in the spring of 1793, preparing the instruments of the Terror.--Economic measures.--Growth of the influence of the Jacobins.--Rising in La Vendée.--Organisation of the Jacobin forces.--The Girondists, unprepared but alarmed, attack the Jacobins in April and May.--Warnings of Dutard.--State of feeling in Paris.--Arrest of Hébert and Jacobin rising.--The 31st May and 2nd June.--Dangers of the Jacobin Government.--Its success on all sides.--Fate of the Girondists and others.