French history in the English-speaking theatre of France (1494–1547). Sarah Pogson Smith wrote another play on Charlotte Corday's murder of Jean-Paul Marat (1793) during the Reign of Terror, entitled "The Female Enthusiast" (1807). Dion Boucicault wrote "Louis XI" (1855), an adaptation of a French play of the same title (1832) by Casimir Delavigne, based on events during the reign of Louis XI of France (1461–1483). Edward Bulwer-Lytton wrote "Richelieu" (1839) based on the cardinal of the same name who dominated political events during the reign of Louis XIII of France (1601–1643). Harry Forrest and Paolo Giacometti wrote "Marie Antoinette"(1890), based on the life of Marie Antoinette.
Reign of Terror members would advocate pillage in order to achieve the desired equality. The resulting instability caused problems that made forming the new Republic and achieving full political support even more critical. The Reign of Terror was characterized by a dramatic rejection of long-held religious authority, its hierarchical structure, and the corrupt and intolerant influence of the aristocracy and clergy. Religious elements that long stood as symbols of stability for the French people, were replaced by reason and scientific thought. The radical revolutionaries and their supporters desired a cultural revolution that would rid the French state of all Christian influence. This process