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Execution of Louis XVI

After the Convention's unanimous declaration of a French Republic on 21 September 1792, a commission was established to examine the evidence against the former king while the Convention's Legislation Committee considered legal aspects of any future trial. On 20 November, opinion turned sharply against Louis following the discovery of a secret cache of 726 documents consisting of Louis's communications with bankers and ministers. On a proposal of Claude Bazire, a Dantonist, the National Convention decreed that Louis XVI be tried by its members. On 28 December, Robespierre was asked to repeat his speech on the fate of the king in the Jacobin club. On 14 January 1793, the king was unanimously voted guilty of conspiracy and attacks upon public safety.

On 15 January, the call for a referendum was defeated by 424 votes to 287, which Robespierre led. On 16 January, voting began to determine the king's sentence; Robespierre worked fervently to ensure the king's execution. The Jacobins successfully defeated the Girondins' final appeal for clemency. On 20 January, half of the deputies voted for immediate death. The next day Louis XVI was guillotined.

Following the execution of the king, Robespierre, Danton, and the Montagnards surged in influence, overshadowing the Girondins.