Maximilien Robespierre

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Leader during the French Revolution

Maximilien Robespierre was a French lawyer and political leader during the late 1700s. He was born in 1758 in the city of Arras, in northern France. Robespierre became well known during the French Revolution, a time when the French government and society changed greatly. He believed strongly in equality and the idea that all citizens should be treated the same under the law.

Robespierre studied law and worked as a lawyer before entering politics. A lawyer is a person trained to understand and argue the law. When the French Revolution began in 1789, he was elected to represent his region in meetings that discussed new laws. He supported ending the monarchy, which is a system where a king rules the country.

As the revolution continued, Robespierre joined a political group called the Jacobins. This group wanted strong action to protect the revolution. Robespierre became one of their main leaders. He believed that enemies of the revolution should be removed to keep the new government safe. This belief led to strict policies.

In 1793, Robespierre became a leading member of the Committee of Public Safety. This committee was a small group that had great power during wartime. It controlled the army, the courts, and many government decisions. During this time, France faced wars with other countries and unrest inside its borders.

The period from 1793 to 1794 is known as the Reign of Terror. During this time, many people were arrested and executed because they were seen as enemies of the revolution. Execution means killing someone as punishment by the state. Many executions were carried out using a guillotine, a machine used for beheading. Robespierre supported these actions as a way to defend the revolution.

In 1794, Robespierre lost support from other leaders. Many feared his power and decisions. He was arrested and accused of being a danger to the government. Robespierre was executed by guillotine in July 1794. His death marked the end of the Reign of Terror. He remains a key figure in the history of the French Revolution.