Republic of Virtue
Encyclopedia
The "Republic of Virtue" was a period in French history (1791-1794) where Maximilien Robespierre
remained in power. Many proponents of the Republic of Virtue developed their notion of civic virtue from the writings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau
. The "Republic of Virtue" was part of the de-Christianization of the French Revolution
. The de-Christianization process included the closing of churches, Protestant and Catholic
, as well as selling many church buildings to the highest bidders. Many churches became store-houses for arms or grain. The statues of kings
on the cathedral at Notre Dame were beheaded. However, the largest step in the de-Christianization of France
was the establishment of the Cult of Reason
to replace Christianity
. This, however, was rejected by Maximilien Robespierre
because he was opposed to the atheistic ideals of the Cult of Reason. He believed that the idea of Reason was too abstract for the common person to grasp and that they needed a hierarchical religion to follow. As a result, he established the Cult of the Supreme Being
in June 1794, but neither cult attracted many followers. The new French Revolutionary Calendar was created during the Republic of Virtue as well. The first year started on September 22, 1792, the beginning of the Republic. Twelve months of exactly thirty days each received new names derived from nature. Ten-day décades replaced the seven-day week, allowing for only one day of rest, eliminating the Sunday of the Christian calendar. This new calendar remained in practice for only nine years. Then Robespierre was beheaded by the National Convention.
Maximilien Robespierre
Maximilien François Marie Isidore de Robespierre is one of the best-known and most influential figures of the French Revolution. He largely dominated the Committee of Public Safety and was instrumental in the period of the Revolution commonly known as the Reign of Terror, which ended with his...
remained in power. Many proponents of the Republic of Virtue developed their notion of civic virtue from the writings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer of 18th-century Romanticism. His political philosophy influenced the French Revolution as well as the overall development of modern political, sociological and educational thought.His novel Émile: or, On Education is a treatise...
. The "Republic of Virtue" was part of the de-Christianization of the French Revolution
French Revolution
The French Revolution , sometimes distinguished as the 'Great French Revolution' , was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France and Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed in three years...
. The de-Christianization process included the closing of churches, Protestant and Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
, as well as selling many church buildings to the highest bidders. Many churches became store-houses for arms or grain. The statues of kings
Kings
Kings may refer to:*Kings: The Sovereign Heads of states and/or nations*One of several works known as the "Book of Kings":**The Books of Kings part of the Bible, divided into two parts**The Shahnama, an 11th century epic Persian poem...
on the cathedral at Notre Dame were beheaded. However, the largest step in the de-Christianization of France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
was the establishment of the Cult of Reason
Cult of Reason
The Cult of Reason was an atheistic belief system established in France and intended as a replacement for Christianity during the French Revolution.-Origins:...
to replace Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
. This, however, was rejected by Maximilien Robespierre
Maximilien Robespierre
Maximilien François Marie Isidore de Robespierre is one of the best-known and most influential figures of the French Revolution. He largely dominated the Committee of Public Safety and was instrumental in the period of the Revolution commonly known as the Reign of Terror, which ended with his...
because he was opposed to the atheistic ideals of the Cult of Reason. He believed that the idea of Reason was too abstract for the common person to grasp and that they needed a hierarchical religion to follow. As a result, he established the Cult of the Supreme Being
Cult of the Supreme Being
The Cult of the Supreme Being was a form of deism established in France by Maximilien Robespierre during the French Revolution. It was intended to become the state religion of the new French Republic.- Origins :...
in June 1794, but neither cult attracted many followers. The new French Revolutionary Calendar was created during the Republic of Virtue as well. The first year started on September 22, 1792, the beginning of the Republic. Twelve months of exactly thirty days each received new names derived from nature. Ten-day décades replaced the seven-day week, allowing for only one day of rest, eliminating the Sunday of the Christian calendar. This new calendar remained in practice for only nine years. Then Robespierre was beheaded by the National Convention.