A new constitution for France
The Reign of Terror ended in 1794 because people were done with all the bloodshed and demanded a more peaceful France. However, the French Revolution did not end peacefully. Maxime Robespierre was executed on the guillotine in 1794 because of his ‘dictatorial behaviour’.
With the death of Robespierre, the Jacobines lost their leader. The political influence of the Jaobines was even more diminished when they were replaced by people with more moderate views. This new group consisted of educated people like doctors and lawyers. Together they established a new constitution called the Directoire. For the first time in its history, France had a parliament. The members of the Parliament were chosen by people who paid taxes. The Parliament had two divisions: the Council of Five Hundred and the Council of Ancients (250 members). These two councils were the legislative branch, where new laws for France were created. The 750 members appointed five directors: the executive branch.