The BRUTAL Execution Of Robespierre - The Architect of the Reign of Terror

After the King's execution, a struggle for power emerged within the National Convention between the radical Jacobins and the more moderate Girondins. The Jacobins, with the support of angry mobs, eventually gained control, leading to the arrest of the Girondins. The Committee of Public Safety, of which Robespierre was a prominent member, took over governance. Robespierre quickly became the most powerful figure on the committee, as France faced threats of foreign invasion and widespread unrest. The Reign of Terror was established to eliminate those considered enemies of the revolution. In a speech, Robespierre justified the use of terror, stating, "If the basis of popular government in peacetime is virtue, the basis of popular government during a revolution is both virtue and terror." Under this regime, France was gripped by violence, and thousands were executed on the guillotine, sometimes based on mere accusations. Despite wielding immense power, Robespierre's popularity waned as the Reign of Terror intensified. He introduced the "Cult of the Supreme Being," a new official religion, further alienating many, who saw him as a tyrant. Although French military victories had begun to undermine the justification for the terror, Robespierre continued his campaign of harsh repression. On July 27, 1794, a group of rebels conspired against Robespierre, leading to his arrest by the National Assembly. He was injured in the struggle, suffering a bullet wound to his jaw. The following day, he was executed. An eyewitness described the scene: "At four in the afternoon, the sinister procession moved out of the courtyard... No crowd of such a size had ever been seen in Paris. The streets were choked with people, and men and women of all ages filled every window and climbed onto rooftops."