Essays on Reign of Terror

1793–1794

France

The Reign of Terror was a period of the French Revolution, following the king’s execution and war with various European powers, when the revolution turned into its most violent and turbulent phase. The "Reign of Terror" was period of state-sanctioned violence and mass executions with an attempt to eradicate alleged "counter-revolutionaries", which lasted from 1793 to 1794. Over 16,000 people have been executed in Paris and the provinces.

On September 5, 1793, the Committee for Public Safety declared France "revolutionary until peace." It meant the Committee was prepared to use violence against its own citizens to bring stability. The "Reign of Terror" was an attempt to eradicate alleged "counter-revolutionaries."

The most influential group in the Convention was called the Jacobins during the Terror. The most prominent members of this group were Maximilien Robespierre, Camille Desmoulins and Georges Danton. During the Terror, the Committee of Public Safety exercised virtual dictatorial control over the French government.

During the Reign of Terror, at least 300,000 suspects were arrested; 17,000 were officially executed, and perhaps 10,000 died in prison or without trial.

The seven-week period between June 10th and the fall of Robespierre on July 27th became known as the Great Terror. Robespierre and his followers were executed on July 28, 1794.