Early Life
Maximilien François Marie Isidore de Robespierre was born on May 6, 1758, in Arras, France. As a member of the middle class, Robespierre pursued education vigorously, embracing the moral philosophies that would later define him.
Role in the French Revolution
Robespierre's rigid stance on democracy and civic virtue made him a leading figure during the French Revolution. He is famously remembered as one of the architects of the Reign of Terror, where he believed that revolutionary virtue required strict governance.
His influence rallied many but also sowed the seeds of fear, ultimately leading to his arrest and execution on July 28, 1794.
Legacy
Often referred to as 'The Incorruptible,' Robespierre's impact on political theory endures. Debates continue on whether he was a defender of liberty or a symbol of despotism.