History

The French First Republic has entered war. A Europe-wide coalition has formed against France, prompted by the killing of Louis XVI and due to the violence of the Jacobins, that are feared could spill over. Over the course of a few months, Spain, the United Kingdom, Naples, Sicily and Portugal have joined together to fight the French menace, creating the First Coalition.

In response, the French have introduced a system never seen before, "conscription" to recruit as many soldiers as possible. This has allowed the French state to thrive, giving it more soldiers compared to its population than any other European power, even the military powerhouse of Prussia.

This has led to crushing defeats for the coalition, despite facing a single country. The Netherlands were severely beaten back at the Battle of Neerwinden, the Austrians at the twin battles of Wattingnies and Wissembourg, and the British at the Battle of Hondchoote.

It seems the revolution has seen some success, but it is unclear if this will last. The domestic situation remains precarious, with various Republican groups eyeing for power along with some Monarchist groups. Maximilian Robespierre continues his iron fist on French politics, and continues the reign of terror beginning with the execution of the monarch.

But what will America do? The nation is divided amongst pro-interventionists, supporters of an alliance with France against the British and anti-interventionists, supporters of peace and neutrality.

How the war will end, only time will tell. But one thing is for certain. This will leave a mark on history, for the better or for the worse, is yet to be decided.

### King Louis XVI Executed, Reign of Terror Commences

Paris, December 21, 1792

In a dramatic turn of events, King Louis XVI, formerly the King of France, was executed today by means of the revolutionary device known as the guillotine. The somber occasion marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing French Revolution and has set the stage for a new era of radical change.

The former king, who had been dethroned earlier this year in (1792), faced charges of treason and collusion with foreign powers. The trial that ensued was highly contentious, with differing factions within the revolutionary government debating the fate of the once-almighty monarch. After a lengthy trial, Louis XVI was declared guilty and sentenced to death.

The execution took place at the Place de la Révolution, a site that has become synonymous with the revolutionary fervor sweeping across the nation. A hushed crowd gathered to witness the historic event, while armed guards maintained order. The guillotine, a device introduced as a supposedly humane method of execution, was used to swiftly end Louis XVI's life.

The death of the former king has not only shaken the foundations of the monarchy but has also signaled the dawn of a more radical phase in the Revolution. The Committee of Public Safety, led by figures such as Maximilien Robespierre, has risen to prominence and embarked on what some are now calling the "Reign of Terror." The Committee, charged with safeguarding the Revolution from its enemies, has begun implementing sweeping measures to suppress counter-revolutionary elements.

This new phase is marked by intensified efforts to eliminate perceived threats to the Revolution, including the use of revolutionary tribunals to swiftly dispense justice and the increasing influence of radical factions within the government. The fervor for change has given way to an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear, as citizens grapple with the rapid shifts in power and the implications of these transformative events.

As France stands at the precipice of a new era, the fate of the Revolution hangs in the balance. The events unfolding in Paris resonate far beyond its borders, shaping the course of history and inspiring both hope and trepidation in the hearts of people across Europe and beyond.