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The Jacobin Republic under Fire: The Federalist Revolt in the French Revolution. By Paul R. Hanson. University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press, 2003. x, 262 pp. $49.95. ISBN 0-271-02281-7.
Historian Paul Hanson opens his enlightening book by considering how the French Revolution might have developed had the more moderate faction, the Girondins, gained control of events instead of the radical Montagnards, or Jacobins. He asks, What if the federalist revolt of 1793 had succeeded in the formation of a republic based on the law rather than one based on terror and popular sovereignty? His book addresses the questions, "Who are the sovereign people and how are they to exercise that sovereignty?" (2).
A much-needed treatment of this confusing period has resulted, allowing readers to gain a clearer understanding of the events that unfolded from 1792 to 1794 and that ultimately resulted in the Committee of Public Safety's Reign of Terror. The book examines the opposition between the Girondin and Montagnard deputies within the National Convention following the fall of the monarchy and the unrest in the provinces that led to the revolt of four cities-Caen, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Marseille-against the radicals based in Paris. The so-called federalist revolt was supported by provincials who favored the Girondin faction and was opposed by the radical elements in Paris, not only the leaders in the government like Robespierre but also the Parisian crowds. The federalist leaders, however, failed to generate enough popular support in the capital to seriously threaten the central government. Still, they had disagreed and argued, often eloquently, for their point of view on every issue before the National Convention, from the...