Maximillien Robespierre | Biography & Death

Maximillien Robespierre was a key player in the French Revolution. He was born on May 6, 1758, in Arras, France, and his story unfolded during a time of big changes in his country. As a leader of the Jacobins, he played a significant role in the government during the revolution. However, things got complicated, and in 1794, he was arrested and later executed.

In this article, we will take a look at Maximillien Robespierre’s Overview, Biography, Law & Politics, Early Political Career, Reign of Terror, Legacy, Trial, and Execution along with some interesting facts.

Let’s get started!

Maximillien Robespierre – Overview

Maximilien Robespierre was a key figure in the French Revolution, born on May 6, 1758, in Arras, France, and passing away on July 28, 1794, in Paris. He played a crucial role as a radical leader of the Jacobins, a political group during the revolution. In the later part of 1793, Robespierre gained significant influence, taking charge of the Committee of Public Safety, a vital part of the Revolutionary government, especially during the intense Reign of Terror.

However, in 1794, during a period known as the Thermidorian Reaction, Robespierre was overthrown and eventually executed. His life and actions reflect the complex and tumultuous nature of the French Revolution, where political dynamics and shifts in power were swift and often resulted in drastic consequences.

Personal Details
Born	Maximilien François Marie Isidore de Robespierre 6 May 1758 Arras, Artois, Kingdom of France
Died	10 Thermidor, Year II 28 July 1794 (aged 36) Place de la Révolution, Paris
Cause of death	Execution by guillotine
Political party	The Mountain (1792–1794)
Other political affiliations	Jacobin Club (1789–1794)
Domestic partner	Éléonore Duplay (rumored)
Alma mater	University of Paris
Profession	Lawyer, politician

Maximillien Robespierre – Biography

Maximilien Robespierre was born on May 6th, 1758, as the eldest of four siblings. His father worked as a lawyer, and they lived in the city of Arras in northern France. Sadly, when Robespierre was just six years old, his mother passed away, and soon after, his father left the family, leaving Robespierre and his siblings without parents. Fortunately, their maternal grandparents stepped in to care for them.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Robespierre pursued law. He went to the college of Louis-le-Grand in Paris and earned his law degree in 1781. Despite studying in Paris, he returned to Arras to practice law, maintaining a connection to his roots.

Maximillien Robespierre – Law and Politics

After finishing school, Robespierre worked as a lawyer in Arras, France. He became known for supporting poor people and wrote papers against the power of the upper classes. When the king called for the Estates-General in 1789, Robespierre was chosen by the common people to represent them as a deputy of the Third Estate. He went to Paris to start his political career, aiming to make life better for regular folks.

Maximillien Robespierre – The Revolution Begins

It wasn’t long after Robespierre joined the Estates General that the members of the Third Estate (the commoners) broke away and formed the National Assembly. Robespierre was an outspoken member of the National Assembly and a supporter of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. Soon, the French Revolution had begun.

Maximillien Robespierre – Early Political Career

• In 1783, Maximilien Robespierre started doing work that helped people and got involved in politics. As a lawyer, he often helped poor people with their legal problems. He also joined efforts to change the way France was ruled by the king.
• Robespierre cared a lot about important issues – he fought against slavery, wanted all men to have the right to vote, and didn’t like it when the king could say no to new laws.
• In his thinking, he followed Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who believed in people’s freedom and being a good person. During this time, Robespierre strongly disagreed with giving harsh punishments or the death penalty to people who were found guilty of crimes.
• He believed in treating everyone fairly and not being too cruel.

Maximillien Robespierre – Reign of Terror

As time passed, Robespierre’s influence grew in the emerging revolutionary government. He rose to lead the radical “Mountain” group in the Assembly and later took control of the Jacobins. In 1793, the powerful Committee of Public Safety was established, essentially running the French government. Robespierre assumed leadership of the Committee, making him the most powerful figure in France at that time.

Robespierre was really committed to making sure the French Revolution succeeded. He was worried that nearby countries like Austria and Great Britain might send soldiers to stop the revolution and bring back the French monarchy. To prevent any opposition, Robespierre declared a “rule of Terror.” This meant that anyone who didn’t support the revolutionary government could be arrested or even executed. They used a device called the guillotine to cut off the heads of people suspected of betraying the cause. In just a year, more than 16,000 “enemies” of the state were officially executed, and many more suffered beatings or died in prison. It was a really tough and scary time.

Maximillien Robespierre – Legacy

Robespierre faced accusations of having dictatorial power from his enemies, both within the Jacobin Club and the Committee of Public Safety. Despite this, he did not actually possess such authority. Those against him, including counterrevolutionaries and the wealthy, criticized his ideas of equality. On the other hand, some activists thought he lacked courage. After his death, his reputation was harshly attacked, and many of his writings were destroyed. History painted him either as a ruthless figure or a cautious middle-class person.

However, in the 19th century, with the rise of working-class movements in France and beyond, people began to appreciate Robespierre as a “persecuted patriot.” His famous speeches were republished, revealing his social vision focused on reducing extreme wealth gaps, increasing small property ownership, and ensuring work and education for everyone. He was a product of his era, influenced by the Enlightenment, a patriot dedicated to duty and sacrifice. Despite the controversies, his impact on history remains significant.

Maximillien Robespierre – Trial and Execution/Death

After enduring a year of severe rule under Robespierre, numerous revolutionary leaders reached their limit with the Terror. They decided to turn against Robespierre and had him arrested. On July 28, 1794, he and many of his supporters were executed by the guillotine. This marked the end of Robespierre’s influence and the intense period of the Reign of Terror.

Interesting Facts about Maximilien Robespierre

• During his arrest, Robespierre got shot in the jaw, but it’s not clear if he did it on purpose to end his own life or if one of the guards shot him while capturing him.
• Robespierre didn’t like the Catholic Church and introduced a new religion called the Cult of the Supreme Being as France’s official religion.
• He strongly spoke out against slavery, making him enemies among slave owners.
• He played a part in ending slavery in France in 1794, but unfortunately, it was brought back in 1802 by Napoleon.
• In a time known as the Reign of Terror, Robespierre had many of his political rivals executed. There was even a law that said someone could be executed just for being suspected of not supporting the revolution.

Conclusion

Looking back at Robespierre’s life, it’s a mix of good and not-so-good stuff. Some people liked him, and some didn’t. They said he had too much power, but others praised his ideas about fairness. As time passed, more folks appreciated him, calling him a “persecuted patriot.” Even though he had a tough ending, Robespierre left a mark on history, showing how one person can influence a whole era.

FAQs on Maximillien Robespierre | Biography & Death

Who is Maximillen Robespierre and why is he important?

Maximilien Robespierre was a leader of the French Revolution. He is important for his political idealism and more notably for his heavy involvement in the Reign of Terror.

What were Robespierre’s beliefs?

Robespierre was highly idealistic. He believed in equality and virtue, and he lived those beliefs in his personal life. However, he also became the leader of the violent Reign of Terror.

When and how did Maximilien Robespierre die?

Maximilien Robespierre was a radical Jacobin leader and a key player in the French Revolution. He was born in Arras, France, on May 6, 1758, and passed away in Paris on July 28, 1794. He was deposed and put to death in the Thermidorian Reaction of 1794.

What is Maximilien Robespierre known for?

Maximilien Robespierre came to dominate the Committee of Public Safety during the Reign of Terror.