Major Tools of Terror
The following tools were used during the Reign of Terror:
- The Committee of Public Safety: A 12-man committee that had the power to arrest, try, and execute suspects without a trial.
- The Revolutionary Tribunal: Known for its kangaroo trials and its high conviction rate.
- The law of Suspects: A law that allowed the arrest of anyone suspected of being a counter-revolutionary. It was broadly defined and led to thousands of people.
- The Guillotine: A machine used to behead people.
Reign of Terror – Origin, Causes, & Effects
The Reign of Terror was a period during the French Revolution that took place between September 1793 to July 1794. Extreme violence and mass executions were a part of Maximilien Marie Isidore de Robespierre’s strict policy of control and punishment. The reign of terror targeted perceived enemies of the revolution which involved various counter-revolutionaries and suspected traitors. All those considered enemies of the republic, members of other political parties, and even those of the same party who did not agree with Robespierre’s methods were charged. Thousands of aristocrats, clergymen, and ordinary citizens were executed by guillotine. This period ended with the fall of Robespierre and the Thermidorian reaction in July 1794.
Furthermore, let us dive into a detailed understanding of the Reign of Terror and the relevant figures involved in it.
Table of Content
- Origin of Reign of Terror
- Causes of Reign of Terror
- Major Tools of Terror
- Maximilien Robespierre
- End of Reign of Terror
- Aftermath of the Revolution
- Present-day Context
- Conclusion
- FAQs: Reign of Terror
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