Plain, the (redirected from La Plaine)

Plain, the, in French history, term designating the independent members of the National Convention during the French Revolution. The name was applied to them because, in contrast to the radical Mountain, they occupied the lower benches of the chamber. The Plain was a leaderless mass and a pliable instrument, but it was numerically in the majority and consequently determined many votes. It played an important role in bringing about the overthrow (9 Thermidor; July 27, 1794) of Maximilien Robespierre, but after this effort it again lost its cohesion.

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Plain, the

 French la Plaine

In the French Revolution, the centrist deputies in the National Convention. They formed the majority of the assembly's members and were essential to the passage of any measures. Their name derived from their place on the floor of the assembly; above them sat the members of the Mountain, or Montagnard. Led by Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyès, the Plain initially voted with the moderate Girondins but later joined the Montagnards in voting for the execution of Louis XVI. In 1794 they helped overthrow Maximilien de Robespierre and other extreme Jacobins (see Jacobin Club).