Title: What was the significance of Maximilien Robespierre in the French Revolution? - eNotes.com
Headings: What was the significance of Maximilien Robespierre in the French Revolution?
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What was the significance of Maximilien Robespierre in the French Revolution?
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Content: The solution, they thought, was to take matters into their own hands. This led to violence on the part of the government. They executed Louis XIV and the Reign of Terror began. Many who opposed the revolution were executed, as well as many who probably posed no threat at all but were suspected or even very loosely associated with those who did. In all, there were approximately 16,500 people executed in France during this time. Robespierre is remembered for his influence on the Reign of Terror because he so strongly advocated for the government's right to execute those who were opposed. While he still was against the death penalty (go figure!), he believed that the ends justified the means. In other words, setting up a stable France required executing those who were unbalancing things. Further Reading
https://www.historytoday.com/archive/robespierre-and-terror
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Maximilien Robespierre is often the person most associated with the French Revolution, although there were many important movers and shakers in the events of the French Revolution.