What are Jacobin Clubs?

Jacobin club was a political club that came into existence in the aftermath of the French Revolution. It derived its name from the convent of St. Jacob in Paris. Its members were mostly small shopkeepers, artisans like shoemakers, watch-makers, printers, servants and daily wage workers. Maximillian Robespierre was their leader. They used to wear long-striped trousers and red -caps symbolising liberty. The group planned an insurrection in 1792 due to high food prices and short supplies. They also stormed the king's palace and held the king hostage for several hours. Elections were later held with voting rights to all men above 21 years of age. The elected assembly abolished monarchy and declared France as a republic. The former king Louis XVI and queen Marie Antoinette were executed. However, in the period between 1793 and 1794, the Jacobins, led by Robespierre unleashed a reign of terror by persecuting anyone who was perceived to be enemy of the republic. Ceilings were placed on wages and prices while food was rationed. Extreme repression led to alienation of Robespierre and he was deposed and guillotined.