The Reign of Terror
The Reign of Terror was the period of Robespierre's rule. Robespierre governed France virtually as a dictator and was also the leader of the Committee of Public Safety. Robespierre's task was to protect the Revolution from its enemies. Due to this task, the committee often had specific "enemies" tried in the morning and guillotined in the afternoon. The guillotine was one of the main forms of capital punishments present at the time. The guillotine claimed to be efficient, humane, democratic, and that those executed "wouldn't even feel the slightest pain." By Robespierre's use of terror, he believed that it would enable the French citizens to remain true to the ideals of the Revolution. Therefore, the radicals who challenged Robespierre's leadership often received the death sentence in 1793 and 1794.
Pictured above, is a portrait of Georges Danton.
Georges Danton found himself in danger by early 1794. Danton's friends in the National Convention were afraid to defend him, and therefore took part in condemning him. Danton told the executioner, "Don't forget to show my head to the people. It's well worth seeing." Although, Danton wasn't the only well known person to be condemned by the Reign of Terror.
Pictured above, is a portrait of Marie Antoinette.
Marie Antoinette, who was a widowed queen was also condemned to death by the guillotine. Thousands of other unknown people were also put to death, due to the smallest charges.
Approximately 40,000 people were executed during the Reign of Terror and about 85% were peasants or members of the urban poor or middle class. In their benefit, the Revolution had been launched.
Approximately 40,000 people were executed during the Reign of Terror and about 85% were peasants or members of the urban poor or middle class. In their benefit, the Revolution had been launched.
End of the Terror
In July 1794, the National Convention finally took action fearing for their own safety, and decided to turn on Robespierre by demanding his arrest and execution. The Reign of Terror officially ended on July 28, 1794, when Robespierre had been sent to the guillotine.
After Robespierre's death, French public opinion had been shifted dramatically. Mostly by the National Convention drafting a new plan of government, which placed power firmly in the hands of the upper middle class, called for a two-house legislature, and an executive body of five men, often titled as the Directory. The Directory consisted of five moderates, not revolutionary idealists. They also found the right general to command France's armies, who was named Napoleon.
Below, is a video explaining the Reign of Terror and the involvement of Robespierre.