Maximilien Robespierre
Maximilien Marie Isidore de Robespierre was a French lawyer and politician known primarily for the Reign of Terror. Born on 6th May 1758, he became increasingly popular for his attacks on monarchy and the democratic reforms he advocated.
Robespierre followed strict policies and harshly punished those who did not follow them. Some of his policies were:
- Laws placing ceilings on maximum wages and prices
- Rationing of Meat and Bread
- Peasants were forced to transport and sell grains at prices fixed by the government.
- Equality bread, a loaf made of whole wheat was to be used by every citizen.
- Usage of Citoyen and Citoyenne to address people.
- Churches were converted to barracks and offices.
After King Louis XI’s execution, a stiff rose for power between Jacobins and Girondins. Jacabins used power and controlled the mob along with the arrest of Girondins. As a result, control of the country was passed to the Committee of Public Safety, and Robespierre was a member of this committee.
A brief timeline of Robespierre’s work
|
Year |
Position |
|---|---|
|
May 1780 |
Deputy of Estate General |
|
April 1790 |
President of Jacobian club |
|
August 1792 |
First Deputy for Paris to the National Convention |
|
July 1794 |
Execution |
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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