Why was Maximilien de Robespierre executed?
a. He wanted to retain the French nobility.
b. He didn’t believe in democratic reform.
c. He eventually became a tyrant.
d. He was found guilty of treason.
Answer: To understand why Maximilien de Robespierre was executed, it’s essential to analyze the historical context and the political dynamics of the French Revolution.
Robespierre’s Role in the Revolution
Maximilien Robespierre was a leading figure in the French Revolution and a member of the Committee of Public Safety, which oversaw the Reign of Terror (1793–1794). His radical policies and commitment to the Republic of Virtue led to widespread executions of perceived enemies of the revolution.
Key Reasons for His Execution
Authoritarian Rule and the Reign of Terror
- Robespierre championed harsh laws, such as the Law of 22 Prairial (1794), which eliminated legal defense for the accused and led to thousands of executions.
- Between June–July 1794, over 1,300 people were executed in Paris alone, creating fear among political leaders and citizens (Doyle, The Oxford History of the French Revolution).
Fear Among Fellow Revolutionaries
- Many members of the National Convention feared they would be next to be accused of treason.
- His speech on 8 Thermidor (26 July 1794) alarmed deputies as he hinted at another purge without naming names, making him a direct threat.
Political Isolation
- Robespierre alienated former allies, including Georges Couthon and Louis Antoine de Saint-Just, and failed to secure military support.
- His self-imposed withdrawal from public life (June–July 1794) allowed his enemies to unite and conspire against him.
Economic Hardships and Loss of Public Support
- The revolutionary government’s price controls (Law of the Maximum) failed, causing severe food shortages and inflation.
- The people, once his strongest supporters, turned against him as living conditions deteriorated.
His Fall and Execution
On 9 Thermidor (27 July 1794), Robespierre was arrested along with his closest allies. The following day, he was guillotined without trial, marking the end of the Reign of Terror.
Conclusion: The Correct Answer
Robespierre was executed because he became perceived as a tyrant by his peers, who feared his unchecked power. His extreme policies, growing opposition, and political isolation led to his downfall on 28 July 1794.
Correct answer: c. He eventually became a tyrant.
Additional Insights (“People Also Ask”)
How did Robespierre justify the Reign of Terror?
- He believed terror was a necessary tool to preserve the revolution and secure a “Republic of Virtue.”
Who replaced Robespierre after his execution?
- The Thermidorian Reaction led to a more moderate government, eventually paving the way for the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
How many people died during the Reign of Terror?
- Over 16,000 people were officially executed, with thousands more dying in prisons and massacres.
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