Title: How Does Robespierre Justify the Use of Terror? Would Some People Still Agree with His Ideas? Essay - 678 Words
Headings: How Does Robespierre Justify the Use of Terror? Would Some People Still Agree with His Ideas?
How Does Robespierre Justify the Use of Terror? Would Some People Still Agree with His Ideas?
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Content: With the execution of Louis XVI in 1973, this new “regime” still had many problems to overcome including the continuing war that constantly needed men and money. The National Convention (which was created in 1792 as part of a campaign to convert France into a constitutional monarchy) amid high pressures, decided to set in place a centralized government which provided everyone with food, support and direct the war effort, and punish counterrevolutionaries (611). Headed by Maxmilien Robespierre, this new government was based on the principles of virtue, in which the government sought to educate and/or force the citizens to become virtuous. Inspired by enlightenment thinkers Montesquieu and Rousseau, he believed in the importance of a government by terror. Robespierre justified his beliefs by saying stuff like: “ To punish the oppressors of humanity is clemency; to forgive them is barbarity.” So began what is now known as the Reign of terror. Robespierre strictly believed that “terror” would set the citizens in place; with this terror, the public along with the upper class could be controlled.