Maximilien Robespierre

Maximilien Robespierre was a French citizen during the French Revolution that embodied the darker side of the Revolution, known as the Reign of Terror. Maximilien started off as a peaceful, articulate, and intelligent member of society. He later became infatuated with the French Revolution, he was influenced by enlightenment philosophes such as Montesquieu and Jean-Jacques Russeau. As he became more and more involved in the French Revolution he developed a reputation as a bloodthirsty tyrant. He became a leader of the French Revolution, and after he seized control he began the slaughter of all who opposed him. His reign was refered to as the Reign of Terror because with maximilien in control, no one was safe. He murdered all who opposed him, even if they had initially supported the revolution. Overall, Robespierre is important because he is responsible for the negative reputation that the French Revolution attained. He also exemplifies the problems with the revolution; while the people were fighting to overthrow an unjust government they were becoming weak and it was easy for tyrants to seize power.