Reign of Terror

The Reign of Terror was a period during the French Revolution from 1793 to 1794 characterized by extreme political violence. The revolutionary government, led by the Jacobins and figures like Maximilien Robespierre, sought to eliminate perceived enemies of the revolution. This led to mass executions, primarily by guillotine, of thousands, including nobles, clergy, and ordinary citizens. The aim was to protect the revolution from opposition and create a more egalitarian society. Ultimately, the Reign of Terror ended with Robespierre's own execution, highlighting the dangers of radical politics and the potential for abuse of power in the name of ideals.