by Courtney Kelly

Created on: September 15, 2008   Last Updated: September 21, 2008

The Road to the Guillotine is Paved in Good Intentions

Maximilien Robespierre is one of the best known figures of the French Revolution. He spearheaded what is now called the Reign of Terror through political committees created after King Louis XVI was overthrown. He has also been considered responsible for roughly 16 to 40 thousand executions by guillotine. However, Robespierre was not always a blood thirsty and tyrannical leader.

Born in May of 1785, Robespierre lived a privilege but modest life. He was well educated as a child, and went on to pass the bar in Arras, and soon after was appointed a criminal judge. Ironically, Robespierre resigned as a judge to avoid handing down a death sentence. He became a successful lawyer, and was nicknamed "The Incorruptible" by his friends as he often represented the poor.

Robespierre was described as being physically unimposing with impeccable manners with a flair for the dramatic. His long winded and politically charged speeches were often met with good reception, especially when he became highly involved in the French Revolution. After the fall of the King, France was left in utter chaos and was in need of a stable government. A Revolutionary Tribunal was established in Paris, and a nine member Committee of Public Safety replaced the larger Committee of General Defense. Robespierre was a member of the newly formed committee, and was soon elected to lead despite the fact that he hadn't run for the leadership position.

Robespierre, passionate about the Revolution, was instrumental in the introduction of the drastic Law of 22 Prairial. This allowed the Tribunal to condemn thousands of French men and women as "enemies of the revolution". One such execution was that of the King, Louis XVI. Robespierre was personally involved in Louis case and although he was adamant against the death sentence in previous years, gave this speech at the King's trial:

"This is no trial; Louis is not a prisoner at the bar; you are not judges; you are you cannot but be statesmen, and the representatives of the nation. You have not to pass sentence for or against a single man, but you have to take a resolution on a question of the public safety, and to decide a question of national foresight. It is with regret that I pronounce, the fatal truth: Louis ought to perish rather than a hundred thousand virtuous citizens; Louis must die, so that the country may live."

The same Committee which gave Robespierre his power also became his downfall. He was accused of dictatorship and tyranny, and despite a two hour speech defending himself, he was arrested along with four other Committee members. On July 28th 1794 Robespierre was guillotined. Despite being blamed for the Reign of Terror, the day Robespierre was executed there were more people guillotined than on any other day during this period.

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