How did the French Revolution generally view the use of bloodshed according to historical interpretations?

The view of bloodshed during the French Revolution is primarily characterized by the interpretation that it was seen as a justified means to an end. The revolutionaries believed they were fighting against oppressive systems and injustices imposed by the monarchy and the aristocracy. For many, this struggle was essential to achieve the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Revolutionary leaders and factions often argued that the violence and bloodshed, particularly during events like the Reign of Terror, were necessary to defend the revolution from perceived enemies, both internal and external. They thought that through the use of force, they could establish a new order that would ultimately lead to a better society. This perspective frames the bloodshed as a righteous act in the pursuit of revolutionary goals, signifying that sacrifices were necessary for the greater good of society.

In contrast, other interpretations that describe bloodshed as unnecessary or tragic, or as a disruption to social order, do not capture the prevailing revolutionary sentiment of the time. For many revolutionaries, the violence was not only seen as justified but also as integral to the transformative process of establishing a republic and dismantling feudal hierarchies.