The Reign of Terror was a turbulent period in the French Revolution from 1793 to 1794. Driven by radical measures and political purges, it was led by the Committee of Public Safety and particularly Maximilien Robespierre. This era was marked by the mass execution of "enemies of the revolution," where roughly 16,000 met their fate on the guillotine.
Fear, paranoia, and political extremism enveloped France, as the government worked to eliminate opposition and protect the Republic. Influenced by revolutionary fervor, it showcased the dangers of unchecked power and ideological fanaticism.
Significant Factors of the Reign of Terror
- Political purges and defense against foreign and domestic enemies.
- Establishment of the Revolutionary Tribunal.
- Rise of the guillotine as a symbol of revolutionary justice.