Desperate people are capable of taking any action that will free them from a life of tyranny and oppression. The days of bloodshed called the "terror" are a perfect example.

It had all gotten to be too much for the average French citizen.

They simply became tired of the poor treatment received at the hands of the Royal Family and Aristocrats. Taxed to the teeth, the masses were fed up with the nobles being given tax breaks and other special privileges.

Their answer was to form a National Assembly in mid-June. Within a month an incensed crowd charged into the Bastille prison and released all that were being held there. It became known as "Bastille Day." At least, that's what they told us in high school history.

King Louis XVI attempted to get out of the country, but was taken prisoner at Varennes by the revolutionary forces. Louis had no choice but to agree to a constitution, but the turned out to be not quite good enough as the rebel armies were hit with a succession of defeats.

The radical pushed to get rid of the monarchy for good and the Republic of France was born.

As too, was the Reign of Terror.

The reasoning was, in order to get rid of the King for good, he would have to be put on trial. There was a kangaroo court and Louis lost his head. Marie A. followed close behind, as did their son, the Dauphin. However he died a slow death in prison.

Out of the 'blood mist' appeared the figure of Robespierre who plunged France into the 'Real' Terror and historical records claim the deaths of 40,000 during that time.

On July 27, 1794, the first wave of terror ended with the overthrow or Robespierre and his cronies.

The blade of the guillotine was sharpened once more and the hunters became the hunted as the 'White Terror' began.

It started off with Robespierre was executed facing upwards on the guillotine.

Historically, the 'Terror' lasted for about ten months. It began on September 5 1793 and ended in late July of 1794. It took place during the French Revolution and finally came to an end shortly after Robespierre and his followers were executed.

Learn more about this author, Ray Fauteux.
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