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Period: to
Robespierre
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Birth
Born in Arras, France. After his mother died, his father sent him to be raised by his grandparents. His family was poor, "unstable and unhappy." "Maximilien Robespierre." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. http://worldhistory.abc-clio.com/ "Maximilien Robespierre: Reign of Terror." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. http://worldhistory.abc-clio.com/ -
Receives law degree
After graduation, he returns to Arras. He becomes famous in his hometown as a lawyer who defends the weak and poor. People view him as a hero and give him the nickname "The Incorruptible." He becomes a judge by age 30. Information Source: "Maximilien Robespierre." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. http://worldhistory.abc-clio.com/ Picture Source: public domain (found on Wikipedia Commons) -
Elected as a delegate
Travels to Paris to represent the Third Estate (common people) amid revolts due to a poor economy exacerbated by bad harvests. Information source: "Maximilien Robespierre." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. http://worldhistory.abc-clio.com/ Picture source: public domain (found on Wikipedia Commons) -
French Revolution begins
The delegates called themselves the French National Assembly and profess the right to speak for the nation of France, which the king sees (rightly) as a challenge to his power. Robespierre becomes leader of the FNA in 1789 or 1790. Information source: "Maximilien Robespierre." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. http://worldhistory.abc-clio.com/ -
Monarchy absolved
Robespierre's French National Convention (as the Assembly is now called) succeeds in its mission: it gets rid of the monarchy completely and declares France to be a republic. Robespierre delivers a speech to the FNC arguing for the royal family's death. Shortly thereafter, the king and his family are indeed sentenced to death and executed. Information source: "Maximilien Robespierre." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. http://worldhistory.abc-clio.com/ -
Robespierre cleans house
Throughout this year, Robespierre turns on his enemies, meaning anyone who opposes him. Most of these are sentenced to death and executed by guillotine. Information source:
"Maximilien Robespierre." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. http://worldhistory.abc-clio.com/ -
Reign of Terror
Robespierre and his allies take out all those who disagree with them. This is known as the Reign of Terror, and at its height, 300,000 people were arrested, 17,000 were executed, and many others died in jail. Information source: "Reign of Terror." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. http://worldhistory.abc-clio.com/ Picture source: public domain (found on Wikipedia Commons) -
The Fall of Terror
Robespierre becomes seriously ill during this year and cannot govern as often. His enemies take advantage of his absence and fight him. Because Robespierre's actions have not actually improved conditions in France, it is easy to turn people against him. Information source:"Maximilien Robespierre." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. http://worldhistory.abc-clio.com/ -
Robespierre's Ironic Ending
Robespierre, who has already been arrested, is executed using his favorite instrument of death: the guillotine. About 100 of his followers are also executed in the following days and weeks. Information source: "Maximilien Robespierre." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. http://worldhistory.abc-clio.com/ Picture source: "The interrogation of Robespierre on the morning of the tenth Thermidor." Library of Congress. Web. 15 Oct 2010. -
Robespierre's Legacy
The Reign of Terror is associated with a democratic ideal, so it "caused conservatives in Europe and the Americas to equate democracy with mob rule," making it difficult for proponents of democracy to get their voices heard. Information source: "Reign of Terror." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. http://worldhistory.abc-clio.com/
