What does the term “Reign of Terror” refer to in the context of the French Revolution?

The term “Reign of Terror” specifically refers to a phase during the French Revolution characterized by significant government repression and mass executions directed at those considered to be enemies of the revolution. This period, primarily from September 1793 to July 1794, was marked by the rise of the Committee of Public Safety, which sought to eliminate internal dissent and consolidate revolutionary gains.

Under the leadership of figures such as Maximilien Robespierre, the revolutionary government justified its use of extreme measures, arguing that it was necessary to protect the revolution from both royalist forces and counter-revolutionaries. The infamous guillotine became a symbol of this campaign, leading to the execution of thousands, including prominent leaders like King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, as well as many ordinary citizens accused of political crimes.

This brutal approach was rooted in the revolutionary fervor and fear of external threats, as well as social unrest within France. The Reign of Terror ultimately aimed to fortify the revolution, but it also raised significant moral and ethical questions about the use of violence and state power, ending with a backlash that led to the downfall of Robespierre and a subsequent move towards more moderate governance.

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