- Their opposition to the Committee of Public Safety: The Girondists fiercely opposed the Committee of Public Safety, a powerful body created by the National Convention in 1793 to lead the war effort and maintain public order. The Committee, dominated by radical Jacobins, considered the Girondists too moderate and a threat to the revolution.
- Their support for federalism: The Girondists advocated for a federal system of government, where power would be decentralized and shared between regional bodies. This was seen as a challenge to the centralized power of the Jacobin-led government in Paris.
- Their criticism of the radical policies of the Jacobins: The Girondists criticized the increasingly radical measures adopted by the Jacobins, such as the Law of Suspects, which allowed for arbitrary arrests, and the Reign of Terror, which resulted in the execution of thousands of people.
- Their popularity with the bourgeoisie and wealthy classes: The Girondists were largely drawn from the professional and merchant classes, and they had considerable support from these segments of society. This made them a target for the Jacobins, who saw the bourgeoisie as counter-revolutionary.
- Political maneuvering by the Jacobins: The Jacobins skillfully manipulated the political landscape to discredit the Girondists. They accused them of treachery, treason, and conspiring with foreign powers. This propaganda campaign eroded public trust in the Girondists and facilitated their downfall.
The arrest of the Girondist leaders ultimately led to the establishment of the Reign of Terror, a period of radical and violent measures under the Jacobin government.