Marseilles Federalist Rebellion

The National Convention was increasingly concerned with the actions of various groups across the south of France.  Representatives on Mission were sent to Marseilles to gauge the problems within the city.  When Fréron and Barras entered the city in March 1793.  They soon acted against the dangerous counter revolutionary elements within the city.  A Revolutionary Tribunal was set up and soon the guillotine was busy within the walls of the city.  However the more moderate elements of the city were able to chase the representatives out on the 27th April.  A hastily assembled counter revolutionary army was destroyed by General Carteaux’s army of the Midi.

Carteaux would capture the city on the 25th August.  Many moderates understood what was coming and fled to Toulon which had also erupted into revolt and recently let in the British Royal Navy.  Imprisoned Jacobins were released from their cells and the cities inhabitants forced to supply the loyalists who were besieging Toulon.  There were calls for the city to be destroyed and be called, “The City with no Name.”  However the Committee of Public Safety realised the economic worth of Marseilles and would not accept it having the same fate as Lyon.