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Abstract written by the author. The experience of revolution engendered many emotions, both positive and negative. The force of emotions can be seen in the National Convention, where it co-existed alongside tactical choices and ideological commitment. The conventionnels were subject to many emotions, amongst them fear. The immunity of deputies from arrest was removed at the start of April 1793. Thereafter, the conventionnels themselves were subject both to the emotion of terror and to laws that enabled the practice of terror. Fear affected the most prominent conventionnels, influenced their choices, and encouraged them to be ruthless in their treatment of opposing factions in the Convention. Intense emotions mingled with fervent ideology. The ideological concept of political virtue played a key role in “the politicians’ terror” that revolutionary leaders meted out to one another.