What phrase did Schama use to describe the role of bloodshed in the revolution?

Schama's description of bloodshed as "the source of its energy" emphasizes the idea that violence and conflict were not merely incidental to the revolutionary process but rather invigorated and propelled it forward. In many revolutionary contexts, such as the French Revolution, bloodshed often acted as a catalyst for change, galvanizing public sentiment and commitment to the revolutionary cause. This phrase captures the dynamic and sometimes paradoxical relationship between violence and political progress, suggesting that the upheaval brought about by bloodshed played a critical role in shaping the direction and intensity of revolutionary fervor. It highlights how the horrors of violence can paradoxically empower a movement, making it a driving force rather than an obstacle. This framing helps illuminate the complex nature of revolutions where the interplay of passion, fear, and conflict can significantly alter the course of history.