Gironde (Noun)
Meaning
The French moderate political party that was in power (1791-1793) during the French Revolution.
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Examples
- The Girondine movement rose to power in 1791, and their leadership was characterized by a series of ineffective policies that only further exacerbated the social unrest.
- Charlotte Corday's assassination of Jean-Paul Marat led to the downfall of the Girondins, ultimately paving the way for the Reign of Terror under Maximilien Robespierre and his allies.
- Many prominent Girondins who refused to flee were eventually captured and tried for treason, leading to widespread execution among the once powerful faction.
- Despite being ousted from power, the Girondins' legacy continued to be felt throughout the remainder of the French Revolution and beyond.
- Madame Roland played an important role in the development of the Girondin movement, coining the term 'Republic' to describe the new system France aimed to establish.