Who led the reign of terror?

The principal architect of the Reign of Terror was the Maximilien Robespierre. As a leading member of the Committee of Public Safety from 1793, he had over 17,000 perceived “Enemies of The Revolution” executed by the guillotine. Most were political enemies who had disagreed with Maximilien’s excessive policies.

 Maximilien Robespierre was arrested by the National Convention, the governing body of France. Robespierre tried to commit suiciede but he botched and seriously injured himself. He was executed without a trial in the same manner as may of his victims – by the guillotine

For further reading check the following articles:

• The Renaissance
• Age of Enlightenment.
• French Revolution

For more links related to UPSC Preparations visit the following links given in the table