Maximilien Robespierre: A Life in Revolution and Terror

Early Life

• Birth: May 6, 1758, in Arras, France
• Family Origin: Suspected Irish roots, but French citizens for generations
• Parents: Conceived out of wedlock; father was an unsuccessful lawyer; mother died giving birth when Robespierre was six
• Education:
  • Awarded a scholarship at 11 to the prestigious Lycee-Louis-le-Grand in Paris
  • Studied law, literature, rhetoric, and classics for 12 years
  • Known for excellent oratory skills; snubbed by royalty during a speech at 17
  • Influenced by enlightenment philosophy, especially Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Political Beginnings

• Advocacy: Vocal advocate for natural rights, champion of underprivileged
• Academy of Arras: Joined in mid-1780s, highlighted lack of morality in politics
• Law Practice: Took on controversial cases, including challenging imprisonment without trial
• French Economic Crisis: France bankrupt by late 1780s due to American War and monarchy's spending

Path to Revolution

• Estates General: Convened due to economic and social unrest
  • Robespierre elected as a representative from Arras to the Third Estate
  • Advocated for representation and concern for the poor
• National Assembly: Emerged from Estate General disputes; Tennis Court Oath pivotal

The French Revolution

• July 14, 1789: Storming of the Bastille
• Robespierre's Influence: Became increasingly prominent in the National Assembly
  • Supported the Declaration of Rights of Man
  • Critical of monarchy, called for a public trial of the king
  • Opposed war with Austria, fearing it would rally people around the king

Reign of Terror

• Committee of Public Safety: Robespierre elected in July 1793
  • Enforced mass executions, including Marie Antoinette
  • Targeted former opponents, the Girondists, with the guillotine
• Dictatorial Power: Grew paranoid, created new crimes to maintain power
  • Trials became condemnations, leading to many executions

Downfall

• Public Turn Against Robespierre: People and political enemies rejected his rule
• Arrest and Death: Arrested in July 1794, attempted suicide, finally guillotined on July 28, 1794
• Legacy: His reign of terror concluded with his own execution, ending a period of intense violence and oppression