Title: Maximilien Robespierre | Biography, French Revolution, Reign of Terror, Facts, & Death | Britannica
Headings: Maximilien Robespierre
Maximilien Robespierre
French revolutionary
Who was Maximilien Robespierre?
How did Maximilien Robespierre come to power?
What is Maximilien Robespierre known for?
When and how did Maximilien Robespierre die?
Early life
Learn about the life of Maximilien Robespierre
Leadership of the Jacobins
Work in the National Convention

Content: By 1788 Robespierre was already well known for his altruism. As a lawyer representing poor people, he had alarmed the privileged classes by his protests in his “Mémoire pour le Sieur Dupond” (“Report for Lord Dupond”) against royal absolutism and arbitrary justice. When the summoning of the Estates-General (a national assembly that had not been called since 1614) was announced, he issued an appeal entitled À la nation artésienne sur la nécessité de réformer les Etats d’Artois (“To the People of Artois on the Necessity of Reforming the Estates of Artois”). In March 1789 the citizens of Arras chose him as one of their representatives, and the Third Estate (the commons) of the bailiwick elected him fifth of the eight deputies from Artois. Thus he began his political career at the age of 30. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Subscribe Now
Leadership of the Jacobins
Robespierre preserved his frugal way of life, his careful dress and grooming, and his simple manners both at Versailles and later in Paris. He quickly attracted attention in an assembly that included some distinguished names. He probably made his maiden speech on May 18, 1789, and he was to speak more than 500 times during the life of the National Assembly. He succeeded in making himself heard despite the weak carrying power of his voice and the opposition he aroused, and his motions were usually applauded.