What was the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution?

The Reign of Terror was a period of violence that occurred during the French Revolution, between 1793 and 1794. It was a time when the revolutionary government, headed by Maximilien Robespierre, used extreme measures to suppress opposition and consolidate its power. During this time, tens of thousands of people were arrested, and many were executed without trial. The Reign of Terror was characterized by its indiscriminate and brutal nature, with even those suspected of being opposed to the revolution being targeted.

The Reign of Terror was triggered by a number of factors, including external threats to the revolution, internal dissent, and economic hardship. The revolutionary government responded by launching a campaign of repression, which included the use of the guillotine to execute those deemed enemies of the revolution. The government also established a revolutionary tribunal to try those accused of crimes against the state.

The Reign of Terror came to an end in July 1794, when Robespierre himself was arrested and executed. The violence of the period left a lasting impact on French society and politics, with many people calling for a more moderate approach to governing. Nevertheless, the legacy of the Reign of Terror continued to shape French politics in the decades that followed.