Republic of Virtue

The "Republic of Virtue" was a period in French history (1793-1794) where Maximilien Robespierre remained in power. 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 establishes 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. In October 1793 the National Convention introduced the new calendar based on reason and republican principles. 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 twelve years. The metric system, based on units of 10, was also invented during the Republic of Virtue.

References

*Hsia, R. Po-chia, Lynn Hunt, Thomas R. Martin, Barbara H. Rosenwein, Bonnie G. Smith. "The Making of the West: Peoples and Cultures: Volume II Since 1500, Second Edition". New York: Bedfort/St. Martin's, 2005