Too much prominence has been given by historians to the dramatic and violent activities of the men of ’93, to the exclusion of acts of peaceful and constructive statesmanship. Among the 11,210 decrees issued by the National Convention in Paris from September ’92 to October ’95, the following are cited by Louis Blanc:—
That maisons nationales be opened where children should be fed, housed and taught gratuitously.
That primary schools be established throughout the Republic, and that three progressive stages of education be established embracing all that a man and a citizen should know.
That each Department should possess a Central School.
That a Normal School at Paris should teach the art of teaching.
That special schools be established for the study of the sciences, Oriental languages, the veterinary art, rural economy and antiquities.
It appointed a Commission to examine and report upon works relating to the moral and physical education of children and opened a competition for the composing of elementary books.
It systematised the teaching of the French language.
It ordered an inventory to be taken of collections of works of art.
It fulminated against the degradation of public monuments.