Robespierre

Maximilien Robespierre is a good example of the kind of corruption that sprouts easily in people when they are given too much power. He started out as a peaceful man that was elected to the Third Estate, and once he gained power he became bloodthirsty and corrupt. He was a large influence in the death of King Louis XVI. After the death of the King he got more power and more power. In his speech for Louis's death he said "Louis ought to perish rather than a hundred thousand virtuous citizens; Louis must die, so that the country may live." After the King was killed the country became divided and unified. The Reign of Terror was a period in France when huge amounts of executions took place, mostly led by Robespierre. Ultimately, he was brought down by his own side and executed for his excessive bloodlust. This shows how revolutions that strive for peace lead to destruction of some kind, even if it is for a greater good. Revolution and change almost always requires violence and it can easily get out of hand. When presented with power people can easily become corrupt.