Question

Which period is known as the Reign of Terror in the history of France?

Give reasons.

Answer 1

After the execution of Louis XVI and his queen Marie Antoinette in 1793 started the reign of terror which continued till 1794. Its leader was Maximillian Robespierre.

He followed a policy of severe control and punishment. All those whom he saw as being 'enemies' of the republic ex-nobles and clergy, members of other political parties, even members of his own party who did not agree with his method were arrested, imprisoned and then tried by a revolutionary tribunal. If the court found them guilty, they were guillotined.

Thus, in Robespierre's policies there was no scope of moderation. Even his supporters got tired of them in due course. Finally, he was convicted by a court in July 1794, arrested and on the next day sent to the guillotine.